U.S. patent application number 11/390453 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for electronic apparatus, charging system and method, charge processing device, storage medium, and prepaid card.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Satoru Suzuki, Yasuji Yui.
Application Number | 20060195381 11/390453 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26588358 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060195381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki; Satoru ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Electronic apparatus, charging system and method, charge processing
device, storage medium, and prepaid card
Abstract
An apparatus of the invention comprises an operation inputting
element for designating one of a plurality of functions; a function
executing element for executing the function designated by the
operating inputting element; a measuring element for measuring the
time during which each of the functions has been executed by the
function executing element; and a chargeable amount computing
element for computing a chargeable amount based on the execution
time measured by the measuring element regarding each of the
functions.
Inventors: |
Suzuki; Satoru; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Yui; Yasuji; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
26588358 |
Appl. No.: |
11/390453 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09815422 |
Mar 22, 2001 |
|
|
|
11390453 |
Mar 28, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 15/12 20130101;
G06Q 20/105 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 20/24 20130101;
G07F 17/0014 20130101; G06Q 20/127 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101;
G06Q 30/0284 20130101; G06Q 20/145 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101;
G06Q 20/108 20130101; G06Q 40/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/035 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 24, 2000 |
JP |
2000-085453 |
Nov 21, 2000 |
JP |
2000-354953 |
Claims
1.-9. (canceled)
10. An electronic apparatus comprising: input detecting means for
detecting a text input; and controlling means for judging said text
input detected by said input detecting means, said controlling
means further setting said electronic apparatus in a time charging
mode depending on a result of the judgment.
11. An electronic apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising storing means for storing a password by which to set
said electronic apparatus in said time charging mode, wherein said
controlling means sets said electronic apparatus in said time
charging mode when said text input detected by said input detecting
means is judged to match the stored password.
12. An electronic apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: storing means for storing a usable time of said
electronic apparatus; measuring means for measuring a used time of
said electronic apparatus; and settling means for subtracting said
used time from said usable time stored in said storing means;
wherein said measuring means and said settling means function when
said controlling means sets said electronic apparatus in said time
charging mode.
13-43. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system and a
charging method whereby apparatuses are not sold outright but are
instead charged for the period of time in which they have been
actually used, as well as an electronic apparatus for use with such
a system and a method, a charge processing device, a storage
medium, and a prepaid card.
[0002] It has been customary for users to purchase products and
acquire their ownership before use. The users thus generally pay
the price of each product itself.
[0003] The traditional way of purchase signifies that people pay
the price of a given product whether or not they actually use it.
In other words, the buyers must also pay for the period of time in
which their product is not used for the simple reason that they own
it Basically, products are worth their price only when utilized. If
a product has been purchased but not used for some reason, that
obviously means the buyer has wasted money on the product.
[0004] Today's so-called high-tech products such as computers
become obsolete in a very short cycle. Often new products appear on
the market before their predecessors have been fully exploited.
Users who bought earlier-models tend to feel shortchanged at seeing
new and better products prematurely superseding their
possessions.
[0005] Those who wish to keep up with the latest and most
sophisticated products need to pay in full for each novel item that
comes along. This can be a considerable financial burden on the
high-tech novelty hunters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances and provides a system and a method whereby products
are charged not for their ownership but for the time period in
which they have been actually used.
[0007] In carrying out the invention and according to one aspect
thereof, there is provided an apparatus including: an operation
inputting element for designating one of a plurality of functions;
a function executing element for executing the function designated
by the operating inputting element; a measuring element for
measuring the time in which each of the functions is executed by
the function executing element; and a chargeable amount computing
element for computing a chargeable amount based on the execution
time measured by the measuring element regarding each of the
functions.
[0008] The inventive electronic apparatus permits computing of the
chargeable amount based on the time in which each selected function
has been executed. This makes it possible to establish a scheme for
charging the apparatus not for its value as a whole but for the
amount commensurate with the way it has been used.
[0009] The user of the apparatus thus pays solely according to how
long the apparatus has been utilized. The same scheme applies to
any new product, alleviating the user's grumbling about having to
pay for ever-newer products appearing all the time to replace their
prematurely outmoded predecessors.
[0010] In on preferred structure according to the invention, the
chargeable amount computing element may compute the chargeable
amount based on the execution time for each of the functions and
through weighting on a function-by-function basis.
[0011] The apparatus of the invention may forestall the measuring
of time if it is powered but not actually used. A suitable charging
process may be implemented depending on which of different
functions with different utility values has been used.
Illustratively, the playback function, rewind function, fast
forward function, and recording function may each be charged in an
appropriately weighted manner when used in practice.
[0012] In another preferred structure according to the invention,
the apparatus may further include: a storing element for storing a
usable time of the apparatus; and a settling element for
subtracting a time representing the chargeable amount computed by
the chargeable amount computing element, from the usable time
stored in the storing element.
[0013] With this preferred structure, the user is allowed to user
to decide on a desired period of time and to store that period as a
usable time in the storing element. The storing of the usable time
into the storing element may be effected in consideration of a
payment. The apparatus of this structure causes the usable time to
be decremented by the time over which the apparatus has been
actually used, allowing the user to employ the apparatus until the
usable time is fully exhausted.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an electronic apparatus including: an input detecting
element for detecting a text input; and a controller for checking
the input text detected by the input detecting element and setting
the electronic apparatus for a time charge mode depending on a
result of the check.
[0015] The electronic apparatus of the above structure may be set
by a text input either for a conventional sell-off model or for a
time-charged model. There is no need to distinguish the two
different models of the same apparatus during fabrication.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an electronic apparatus including: an operation inputting
element for designating at least an operating state and a
non-operating state; a used time measuring element for measuring
duration of the operating state as a used time; a cumulative time
measuring element for measuring an accumulated used time resulting
from the measuring by the used time measuring element; and a
chargeable time computing element for computing a chargeable time
by weighting the used time measured by the used time measuring
element in accordance with a weighting factor reflecting the
accumulated used time measured by the cumulative time measuring
element.
[0017] The electronic apparatus of the above structure permits a
charging practice that takes depreciation of the apparatus into
consideration. More specifically, charges are weighted in
accordance with the used time representative of product
depreciation, i.e., the charging rate may be reduced over time.
Many products used as fixed assets by corporations are
conventionally bought by payment in full. In that case,
depreciation expenses necessarily deviate chronologically from the
actual spending of money on the product. By contrast, the inventive
electronic apparatus allows its depreciation expenses to be spread
substantially in time with the actual payment.
[0018] According to an even further aspect of the invention, there
is provided an electronic apparatus including: an operation
inputting element for designating at least an operating state and a
non-operating state; a used time measuring element for measuring
duration of the operating state as a used time; a chargeable time
computing element for computing a chargeable time based on the used
time measured by the used time measuring element; a memory for
storing usable time information about the electronic apparatus; a
settling element for subtracting the chargeable time computed by
the chargeable time computing element from the usable time stored
in the memory; and a reading element for reading the usable time
information from the memory to notify a user thereof.
[0019] With this structure, the memory continuously retains the
usable time information about the apparatus in question. The usable
time information can be retrieved by the reading element.
[0020] When the usable time information is retrieved from the
electronic apparatus for conversion into a utility value, it is
possible to market the apparatus as a secondhand product offering
its remaining utility value, whereby a secondhand product market is
created.
[0021] As outlined above, the user is charged for and pays up the
exact amount of product time used according to the invention. The
scheme clarifies the value of a given product from the user's point
of view. Because the chargeable rate is varied from function to
function regarding the product, it is possible to build a
reasonable charging system that satisfies the user's sense of
fairness. The user, if desired, may replace the currently used
product with a new model every time such a model comes along.
[0022] The inventive scheme replaces the traditional concept of
transferring a product's ownership and lifetime use to a customer
for a consideration, with a new concept of charging the user for
the exact amount of product usage time. With people's obsession of
product ownership discarded, it becomes easier for used products to
be recovered and recycled, whereby a truly recycle-oriented society
can be realized in time.
[0023] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent upon a reading of the following description
and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic view outlining a charging system
practiced as a first embodiment of this invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation explaining a key aspect
of the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration explaining more about the
first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration explaining more about the
first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram sketching a typical structure of
an electronic apparatus practiced as the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting charge
processing performed by the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating how charge
processing is performed by the first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of steps outlining how a charging
system practiced as a second embodiment of this invention typically
works;
[0032] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view outlining the charging system
of the second embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a typical structure
of an electronic apparatus employed as the second embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps performed by the electronic
apparatus of the second embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of what is contained in a memory
of the electronic apparatus used as the second embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic view explaining how charges are
settled by the charging system of the second embodiment;
[0037] FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts of steps constituting a
data transfer process for settlement performed by the charging
system of the second embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of further steps constituting the
data transfer process for settlement performed by the charging
system of the second embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of steps for settlement performed by
the charging system of the second embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of further steps for settlement
performed by the charging system of the second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of further steps constituting the
data transfer process for settlement performed by the charging
system of the second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a typical structure
of an electronic apparatus practiced as a third embodiment of this
invention;
[0043] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view picturing how a charging
system of the third embodiment typically settles charges;
[0044] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of steps constituting a data transfer
process for settlement performed by the charging system of the
third embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 22 is a block diagram indicating a typical structure of
an electronic apparatus practiced as a fourth embodiment of this
invention;
[0046] FIG. 23 is a schematic view picturing how a data transfer
process for settlement is typically implemented by the fourth
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 24 is another schematic view portraying how the data
transfer process for settlement is typically implemented by the
fourth embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of steps performed by the electronic
apparatus of the fourth embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of an
electronic apparatus practiced as a fifth embodiment of this
invention;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of steps performed by the electronic
apparatus of the fifth embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of further steps performed by the
electronic apparatus of the fifth embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of steps constituting overall
processing performed by a charging system of a seventh embodiment
of this invention;
[0053] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of steps carried out by an electronic
apparatus practiced as the seventh embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of steps explaining a key aspect of
the seventh embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 32 is a schematic view explaining a secondhand product
market;
[0056] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of steps in which an electronic
apparatus practiced as an eighth embodiment of this invention is
switched between settings of different models;
[0057] FIG. 34 is a schematic view explaining a business model to
which a ninth embodiment of this invention is applied;
[0058] FIG. 35 is a graphic representation depicting variations of
consideration for product usage time in connection with the ninth
embodiment;
[0059] FIGS. 36A and 36B are schematic views explaining a
structural example of a UT (Used Time) Money for use with the ninth
embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of an
electronic circuit incorporated in the UT Money used by the ninth
embodiment;
[0061] FIGS. 38A and 38B are schematic views explaining another
structural example of the UT Money for use with the ninth
embodiment;
[0062] FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C are schematic views outlining steps
to fabricate the UT Money whose structure is shown in FIGS. 38A and
38B;
[0063] FIG. 40 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus
practiced as the ninth embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of steps performed by the electronic
apparatus of the ninth embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 42 is a flowchart of steps performed by the electronic
circuit in the UT Money for use with the ninth embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 43 is a block diagram outlining a typical structure of
terminal equipment used by the ninth embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 44 is a schematic view sketching a typical front
operation panel of the terminal equipment used by the ninth
embodiment;
[0068] FIG. 45 is a flowchart of steps performed by the terminal
equipment for use with the ninth embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 46 is another flowchart of steps continued from the
flowchart of FIG. 45;
[0070] FIG. 47 is flowchart of further steps performed by the
terminal equipment for use with the ninth embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 48 is a flowchart of steps carried out by a charge
management system used by the ninth embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 49 is a conceptual view explaining a virtual trading
market on which virtual currency UT is traded in conjunction with
the ninth embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 50 is a flowchart of steps performed when a user has
his status posted as a seller on the virtual trading market using
the virtual currency UT in connection with the ninth embodiment;
and
[0074] FIG. 51 is a flowchart of steps performed when a user has
his status posted as a buyer on the virtual trading market using
the virtual currency UT in connection with the ninth
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0075] Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be
described in the form of a charging system and an electronic
apparatus, among others, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0076] The first embodiment of this invention is implemented as an
electronic apparatus to be charged and paid for an accumulated time
period of actual use. The first embodiment adopts a depreciation
scheme that requires the user to pay the most per unit time when
the product in question is brand-new, to pay less per unit time as
the used time accumulates, and to stop paying when the accumulated
used time has reached a predetermined time, i.e., when the
accumulated payments have reached a predetermined amount.
[0077] The electronic apparatus to be charged is any product that
incorporates a microcomputer and is connectable to a digital
communication network such as the Internet. Such products include
personal computers and Internet television sets.
[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic view outlining a used time charging
system practiced as the first embodiment of this invention. With
this embodiment, a user 1 concludes a use contract with a vender 2
regarding an electronic apparatus 3 offered by the vender 2. When
in use, the electronic apparatus 3 is connected to a digital
communication network 4 such as the Internet. A charge management
system 5 of the vender 2 is also connected to the digital
communication network 4.
[0079] Under the use contract different from a sales contract, the
user 1 does not pay upon receipt of the product. Instead, the user
1 pays for the length of time in which the electronic apparatus 3
has been used. The first embodiment allows the user 1 to make
payments for used time on a depreciation basis.
[0080] Under the contract, the user 1 agrees with the vender 2 on
how to settle used time-based charges. Whereas there are a variety
of ways to settle charges, a typical case is explained below which
involves resorting to a bank or a credit card company.
[0081] The electronic apparatus 3 to be charged is designed to
measure the time in which it has been actually used and to store
the accumulated used time into a built-in memory or an external
memory, as will be described later. In this example, as long as the
electronic apparatus 3 is turned on, it is considered to be in a
chargeable operating state. The used time, when measured, is
incremented illustratively by the minute.
[0082] When furnished with the chargeable electronic apparatus 3
from the vender 2, the user 1 transmits in a report the accumulated
used time from the memory of the apparatus to the vender 2 over the
digital communication network 4. The reporting is done at
predetermined intervals (e.g., every month) or in response to a
settlement date notice from the vender 2.
[0083] Given the accumulated used time reported, the charge
management system 5 of the vender 2 measures as a chargeable time
the period of use between the preceding settlement date and the
current settlement date. By use of the accumulated used time
received, the charge management system 5 determines a time unit
price, i.e., price to be paid per unit time, for the current charge
computation.
[0084] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view graphically showing a
relationship between accumulated used time and time unit price. As
indicated, the longer the accumulated used time, the lower the time
unit price. When the accumulated used time reaches a certain time,
i.e., when the paid amount reaches a certain level, the time unit
price becomes zero.
[0085] The charge management system 5 of the vender 2 stores the
time-price relationship table of FIG. 2 inside. Given the
accumulated used time, the system 5 references the table to
determine a time unit price to be used for the current charging. A
fee to be charged to the user is computed by having the chargeable
time due on the settlement date multiplied by the time unit price
determined above.
[0086] The user 1 pays the fee by settling the charge in a
predetermined manner. At the vender 2, the charge management system
5 verifies the payment of the fee. If the charge is not settled by
the settlement date, the charge management system 5 transmits to
the electronic apparatus 3 a key that disables functions of the
apparatus. Upon receipt of the disabling key, the electronic
apparatus 3 has its functions turned off partially or as a
whole.
[0087] If the charge management system 5 has later confirmed the
payment of the fee by the user 1, the system 5 sends to the
electronic apparatus 3 a key that enables the functions of the
apparatus. Given the enabling key, the electronic device 3 resumes
its functionality to permit use by the user 1.
[0088] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a flow of steps from
acquisition of the electronic apparatus 3 as the first embodiment
to the start of its use by resorting to a bank or a credit card
company. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view depicting typical
transactions among the user 1 upon start of use of the electronic
apparatus 3, the vender 2, and the bank or credit card company
6.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 3, the user 1 acquires the electronic
apparatus 3 as a chargeable product from the vender 2. At this
point, a product identifier (product ID) is written to a memory of
the electronic apparatus 3. The product ID may be written to the
memory either during fabrication of the apparatus or when the
apparatus is handed over to a user (i.e., at the time of sales).
The charge management system 5 of the vender 2 retains the product
ID in conjunction with a user identifier (user ID) as user
management information (in step A of FIG. 3).
[0090] If the user has no bank account or credit card company's
account, then a bank account or a credit card company's account is
opened (in step B). The established bank account or credit card
company's account is written along with a password to the memory of
the electronic apparatus to be charged (in step C).
[0091] As indicated in "(1) Start of Use Reported" in FIG. 4, the
user 1 reports the start of use of the electronic apparatus 3 to
the charge management system 5 of the vender 2 (in step D). The
information reported at this point includes use start notice
information, the product ID, the user's name, the bank account
number or credit card number (representing a credit card company's
account), and a password.
[0092] When the electronic apparatus 3 has thus been set up and the
charge management system 5 notified thereof, the system 5 verifies
the user and his or her account at the bank or credit card company
6 by employing the user's name and the bank account number or the
credit card number included in the reported information, as shown
in "(2) Verification" in FIG. 4.
[0093] After verifying the user and his or her account, the charge
management system 5 transmits in token of use start approval an
enabling key that allows the electronic apparatus 3 to turn on its
functions, as indicated in "(3) Approval" in FIG. 4. The key
enables the electronic apparatus 3 to function for use by the user
1.
[0094] FIG. 5 is a block diagram sketching a typical structure of
the electronic apparatus 3 as the first embodiment. The electronic
apparatus 3 includes a controlling part 11 for controlling the
apparatus as a whole, a hardware part 12 for executing functional
operations of the apparatus, a nonvolatile memory 13, and a network
part 14 for connection with the digital communication network
4.
[0095] The controlling part 11, although not shown, comprises
firmware for controlling the electronic apparatus 3, charging
system controlling software, and function-on/off controlling
software. The controlling part 11 includes a counter part 15 that
measures time units in which charges are made. Also included in the
controlling part 11 is a clock part 16 that manages settlement
dates illustratively at monthly intervals.
[0096] The function-on/off controlling software of the controlling
part 11 turns on and off the hardware part 12 based on a
function-on/off key acquired from the charge management system 5
through the network part 14.
[0097] As mentioned above, the nonvolatile memory 13 contains not
only the product ID, the bank account number or credit card number
and the password, but also an accumulated time period of actual
operation of the apparatus as measured by the charging system
controlling software of the controlling part 11.
[0098] The counter part 15 in the controlling part 11 measures a
time period in which the electronic apparatus 3 has been turned on.
When the measured time has amounted to a unit time, a unit time
elapse output signal such as a carry signal is output.
[0099] Given the unit time elapse output signal from the counter
part 15, the charging system controlling software in the
controlling part 11 reads the accumulated used time from the
nonvolatile memory 13 and increments the retrieved time by "1." The
incremented used time is written back to the nonvolatile memory 13.
This allows the nonvolatile memory 13 to get its accumulated used
time content continuously updated.
[0100] Given time information from the clock part 16, the charging
system controlling software of the controlling part 11 determines
whether a settlement date has come due. When the settlement date is
judged to have arrived, the charging system controlling software
reads from the nonvolatile memory 13 such data as accumulated used
time information, the product ID and account number and sends the
retrieved data to the charge management system 5 through the
network part 14 over the digital communication network 4.
[0101] In response to the transmission of the accumulated used time
and other information regarding the settlement date, the charge
management system 5 returns charges for the currently accumulated
used time. The controlling part 11 in the electronic apparatus 3
causes a display part 17 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) to
display the charged fee for the user 1 to take notice. At this
point, the settlement date reported from the charge management
system 5 is also shown on the screen of the display part 17.
[0102] If the user 1 fails to pay past the settlement date, the
charge management system 5 sends a disabling key causing the
electronic apparatus 3 to turn off its functions. Upon receipt of
the key, the controlling part 11 disables the electronic apparatus
3 by turning off the hardware part 12. If the user pays up the fee
for the currently accumulated used time, the charge management
system 5 transmits an enabling key that allows the electronic
apparatus 3 to turn on its functions. Given the key, the
controlling part 11 enables the electronic apparatus 3 by turning
on the hardware part 12.
[0103] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of typical charging steps performed by
the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating
how payments are made when a bank or a credit card company is
involved.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the controlling part 11 continuously
measures the accumulated used time of the electronic apparatus 3 as
a chargeable product in the manner described above (step S1). The
controlling part 11 of the electronic apparatus 3, using the clock
part 16, checks whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed
since the last settlement, i.e., whether another settlement date
has arrived (step S2). If the settlement date is judged to have
arrived, the controlling part 11 reports at least the product ID
and accumulated used time information to the charge management
system 5 of the vender 2 over the digital communication network 4
(in step S3; "(1) Used Time" in FIG. 7).
[0105] Upon receipt of the product ID and user management
information (user ID), the charge management system 5 identifies
the user 1. The system 5 computes a chargeable used time by
obtaining the difference between the last-settled accumulated used
time and the accumulated used time reported this time. In addition,
the charge management system 5 acquires a time unit price for use
in the current charge computation by referring to the time-unit
price relationship table in FIG. 2 and on the basis of the
currently accumulated used time.
[0106] The fee corresponding to the currently accumulated used time
is computed (in step S4) by the charge management system 5 using
the following formula: fee due this time=chargeable used
time.times.time unit price Through the digital communication
network 4, the charge management system. 5 notifies the electronic
apparatus 3 of the computed amount of the fee for the currently
accumulated used time (in step S5; "(2) Payment" in FIG. 7).
[0107] Upon receipt of the amount of the fee due this time, the
electronic apparatus 3 displays the received information on the
screen to notify the user 1 thereof. The user 1 is thus charged for
the currently accumulated used time (in step S6).
[0108] On receiving the charges, the user 1 takes steps to have the
appropriate payment transferred from his bank account or credit
card company's account to the account of the vender 2 ("(3) Money
Transfer Instruction," "(4) Transfer of Payment" in FIG. 7).
Alternatively, the transfer of the payment may be carried out
automatically between the bank accounts involved.
[0109] The charge management system 5 checks to see if the fee due
this time is paid up (in step S7). If no payment is judged to be
made, the charge management system 5 transmits over the digital
communication network 4 a key for turning off the functions of the
electronic apparatus 3 (in step S8).
[0110] If the charge management system 5 later ascertains that the
payment has been made (in step S7), it transmits over the digital
communication network 4 a key that allows the electronic apparatus
to turn on its functions (in step S9).
[0111] The charge management system 5 checks to see if the
accumulated used time of the electronic apparatus 3 has reached a
predetermined time limit where the time unit price becomes zero. If
the time limit has yet to be reached, the system 5 proceeds to
settle the charges on the next settlement date. If the time limit
is judged to be reached, the charge management system 5 notifies
(not shown) the electronic apparatus 3 that settlement of fees is
not necessary from now on and terminates the charging process.
Given the notice, the electronic apparatus 3 displays it on the
display part 17 to draw the user's attention and will not perform
charging process from that point on. The user 1 is allowed
continuously to use the electronic apparatus 1 free of charge.
Second Embodiment
[0112] The second embodiment of this invention is also implemented
as an electronic apparatus to be charged and paid for an
accumulated time period of actual use. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of
steps representing overall processing performed by the second
embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view outlining a business
model of the second embodiment constituting a used time-based
charging system. FIG. 9 illustrates how companies and customers are
typically organized around a time charge management company 21 that
manages charges based on the used time of chargeable products.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 9, the second embodiment involves the time
charge management company 21 having a relation A with a
manufacturer-vender 22. In the relation A, the management company
21 subcontracts development and production of time use-chargeable
products to the manufacturer-vender 22 and purchases the products
from the latter.
[0114] There can be a number of types of purchase contracts between
the time charge management company 21 and the manufacturer-vender
22. One purchase contract may be a simple sales contract whereby
the time charge management company 21 has the ownership of the
products purchased from the manufacturer-vender 22. Another type of
purchase contract may be the combination of a sales contract and a
partial fee sharing contract, to be described later, whereby
payments of used time-based fees are partially shared between the
two companies. Yet another type of purchase contract may involve
only a partial fee sharing contract with no purchase contract made
(product ownership belongs to the manufacturer-vender 22), whereby
payments of used time-based fees are partially shared between the
two companies.
[0115] A software company 23 has a relation C (FIG. 9) with a
copyright holder 24. In the relation C, the software company 23
subcontracts production of software to the copyright holder 24 and
purchases software from the latter. Between the software company 23
and the time charge management company 21 is a relation B (FIG. 9)
wherein the software company 23 supplies software to the management
company 21. The time charge management company 21 also has a
relation D (FIG. 9) direct with the copyright holder 24. In the
relation D, the management company 21 subcontracts production of
software direct to the copyright holder 24 and purchases software
from the latter.
[0116] The time charge management company 21 has a relation E (FIG.
9) with a network-based bank 25 regarding settlements and
financing. The management company 21 also has a relation F (FIG. 9)
with a secondhand product market 26 such as network auction sites
where old products replaced by their successors are put on
sale.
[0117] The time charge management company 21 has a relation G (FIG.
9) with a registered member 27 regarding the transfer of such data
as product supply information and chargeable time data. In turn,
the registered member 27 has a relation H (FIG. 9) with a shop 28.
The shop 28 has a relation I (FIG. 9) with the time charge
management company 21 regarding the collection of fees from the
registered member 27 and the delivery of products to the
latter.
[0118] A customer becomes a registered member 27 when having his
name registered with the time charge management company 21 (in step
S21 of FIG. 8). The registered member 27 may obtain (in step S22)
and use (in step S23) a desired chargeable product such as an
electronic apparatus.
[0119] Registration of membership may be done either over the
counter of the time charge management company 21 or at a website on
the Internet in electronic fashion. In the case of electronic
registration, the chargeable product is handed over to the
registered member 27 illustratively by way of the shop 28, such as
a convenience store, that has a contract with the time charge
management company 21. It is also possible to deliver the product
by mail from the time charge management company 21 to the
registered member 27.
[0120] Upon registration, the member 27 is granted a member
identifier (member ID, also serving as the user ID).
[0121] The time charge management company 21 has a customer
database 21DB that stores such membership information as members'
IDs, names (of individuals and corporations), ages, addresses,
electronic mail addresses, contract periods, settlement methods (to
be described later), and bank account numbers or credit card
numbers on all members.
[0122] A memory of each electronic apparatus as a chargeable
product contains individual information such as the product
identifier (product ID), member ID, member's address, and member
name, as well as date information. With such information written to
the memory, the chargeable product is handed over to the registered
member 27.
[0123] In the customer database 21DB of the time charge management
company 21, member IDs are stored in association with the product
IDs of the products used by the members in question. Writing of the
product ID to each chargeable product may be done either by the
time charge management company 21 or by the manufacturer-vender
22.
[0124] The chargeable product used by the registered member 27 may
be replaced by another product during the contract period. If such
replacement is carried out, memory contents of the products
involved are updated and so are the contents of the customer
database 21DB regarding the product IDs in question. The contract
period may be altered as well if desired.
[0125] Each registered member 27 also registers his preferred
settlement method with the time charge management company 21. The
registered settlement method is added by the company 21 to the
record about the member 27 in question. There are a number of
settlement methods: using the member's bank account; using the
member's credit card account; transferring payments from a bank
branch, a post office or a convenience store to the time charge
management company's account; or utilizing a proprietary electronic
money settlement system established by the management company. The
preferred settlement method may be replaced by another method
during the contract period if desired.
[0126] When using his bank account or credit card account for
settlement, the registered member 27 notifies the time charge
management company 21 thereof along with a password. These items of
information are placed into the customer database 21DB in the
manner described above.
[0127] The registered member 27 sends operation data to the time
charge management company 21 at predetermined intervals, in
response to a settlement request made by the chargeable product
itself, or upon receipt of charges from the company 21 (in step S24
of FIG. 8). The operation data cover the period between the last
settlement date and the current settlement date (i.e., which
constitutes the chargeable period).
[0128] The operation data, as will be described later, includes a
power-on/off count, function-wise operation information about the
electronic apparatus, media-related information, TV channel
information, music information, video information, and defect
information. The function-wise operation information about the
electronic apparatus includes function key-on/off information and
function-wise operation time information.
[0129] Given the operation data sent from each registered member
27, the time charge management company 21 computes a used
time-based fee for the chargeable product of the member in
question. With the fee computed, the management company 21 sends
charges to the registered member 27 (in step S25 of FIG. 8).
[0130] Each registered member 27 settles the charges using the
registered settlement method (in step S26 of FIG. 8).
[0131] If a new product with enhanced functionality comes along,
the registered member 27 is informed thereof illustratively by the
website on the Internet or by facsimile. If the member 27 wishes to
replace the current product with the new one, the replacement
registration is carried out over the counter at the time charge
management company 21 or shop 28, or at the website on the
Internet, and the products are switched (in step S27 of FIG.
8).
[0132] Each old product replaced by the new one is returned and
auctioned off on the secondhand product market 26 such as network
auction sites. Alternatively, the used products may be freshened up
and sold at fixed discount prices.
[0133] With the second embodiment, the electronic apparatus as the
chargeable product is assumed to have a plurality of functions. One
such apparatus may be a recording and reproducing apparatus
offering such diverse functions as playback, recording, fast
forward, rewind, pause, and stop. The used times of the functions
are not merely added up to compute a chargeable time; the
chargeable time is computed by having the used time of each of the
functions multiplied by a weighting factor established in advance
for each function.
[0134] Illustratively, the functions related directly to usage by
the user are given larger weighting factors; those functions not
directly associated with actual use by the user are provided with
smaller weighting factors. A function that cost much when developed
may be given a larger weighting factor than less costly
functions.
[0135] For example, a playback key (i.e., playback function) of
video and/or audio equipment may be considered the reference
function having a weighting factor of 1. With respect to that
reference function, a stop key (stop function) and a rewind key
(rewind function) may be given a weighting factor of 0 each in
advance; a fast forward key (fast forward function) may have a
weighting factor of 0.5; a recording key (recording function) may
be given a weighting factor of 1.2; and an effect key (effect
function) may have a weighting factor of 2.
[0136] With the second embodiment, different electronic apparatuses
may be given in advance different weighting factors used to compute
a chargeable time based-on used time. Illustratively, if audio
apparatuses are given a weighting factor of 1, then video
apparatuses may have a weighting factor of 1.5 to provide for the
playback of both video and audio information. Text-oriented
apparatuses may be given a weighting factor of 0.8 for their
simplified function.
[0137] Varied weighting factors may also be adopted depending on
the types of media in use such as CD (compact disc), MD (MiniDisc),
DVD (digital video disc), television, and radio.
[0138] Described below in detail is how the second embodiment is
implemented through the combination of two weighting schemes:
weighting by electronic device type, and weighting on a
function-by-function basis. The function-wise weighting is effected
in accordance with a load factor P of the CPU in a microcomputer
part 31. The load factor P of the CPU is determined by the rate of
time in which the CPU operates continuously (including sleep time)
for each of the functions involved.
[0139] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus 30
employed as a used time charging system constituted by the second
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic apparatus 30 of the
second embodiment comprises the microcomputer part 31 that makes up
a controlling part for overall control of the apparatus 30; a
function executing part 32 made up of a storage medium drive, a
digital signal processor and an analog signal processor; a key
operation part 33 constituted by a plurality of function keys; a
display part 34 illustratively composed of a liquid crystal
display; a charge processing part 35; and an interface part 36 for
interfacing with a personal computer.
[0140] The charge processing part 35 is constituted by a
controlling part 351 made of a microcomputer, by a clock part for
measuring time, and by a nonvolatile memory 353. The charge
processing part 35 may be implemented as a one-chip IC which is
either connected with an externally furnished nonvolatile memory
353 or incorporates such a nonvolatile memory 353.
[0141] The microcomputer part 31 determines which function key has
been operated given an input operation by the user on the key
operation part 33. With the operated function key recognized, the
microcomputer part 31 controls the function executing part 32
accordingly. In addition, information about the operated function
key is transferred to the controlling part 351 in the charge
processing part 35.
[0142] Given the function key information from the microcomputer
part 31, the controlling part 351 in the charge processing part 35
ascertains that a specific function corresponding to the function
key in question is being selectively executed. By referring to time
information from the clock part 352, the controlling part 351
measures an execution time of the function in question, i.e., the
time in which the function is being used. On the basis of the used
time thus measured, the controlling part 351 computes a chargeable
time in the manner described earlier. The computed chargeable time
is stored into the memory 353.
[0143] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps in which the electronic
apparatus 30 computes the chargeable time for each function and
stores the computed time.
[0144] When the electronic apparatus 30 is turned on (in step S31),
initialization is carried out (in step S32). A check is then made
to see if any function key is operated (in step S33). If a function
key is judged operated, the key in question is recognized (in step
S34). These steps are carried out by the microcomputer part 31.
[0145] Information about the recognized function key is sent from
the microcomputer part 31 to the controlling part 351 in the charge
processing part 35. The controlling part 351 recognizes the
operated function-key, and writes to the memory 353 key type
information identifying the recognized function key (in step
S35).
[0146] Using information from the clock part 352, the controlling
part 351 measures an execution time of the activated function,
i.e., a used time T1 of the function in question (in step S36). The
used time T1 includes a sleep time in which the CPU of the
microcomputer part 31 has been in a sleep state. Then a processing
time T2 in which the CPU of the microcomputer part 31 has been
continuously operating, i.e., a CPU operation period excluding the
sleep time is measured, and the load factor P of the CPU in the
microcomputer part 31 is computed (in step S37).
[0147] The load factor P is computed by use of the following
expression: P=(T2/T1).times.K where, K denotes a coefficient of
variation determined by the type of equipment such as video
equipment, audio equipment, television set, or storage medium in
use. Because it varies with the equipment type, the coefficient may
be called an equipment type-wise coefficient.
[0148] Step S36 to measure the used time T1 and step S37 to measure
both the processing time T2 and the CPU load factor P are repeated,
until execution of the function in question comes to an end (in
step S38). In this example, the CPU load factor P is computed
repeatedly during function execution. Alternatively, the CPU load
factor P may be calculated at the end of the function
execution.
[0149] When execution of the function is judged to have ended, the
controlling part 351 in the charge processing part 35 computes a
chargeable time "t" (in step S39) using the following expression:
chargeable time t=used time T1.times.CPU load factor P Information
about the chargeable time "t" resulting from the computation is
written to the memory 353 (in step S40). Since the chargeable time
"t" is given as T2.times.K, it is possible alternatively to measure
only the processing time T2 and skip used time (T1)
measurement.
[0150] A check is made to see if power is turned off (in step S41).
If power is not turned off, step S33 is reached again and
activation of another function key is awaited. If power is judged
to be removed, this processing routine is terminated.
[0151] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of what is contained in the
memory 353 of the charge processing part 35. Specifically, the
memory 353 has its retained data classified into system management
information, user information, settlement information, and
operation information. The pieces of such information are held at
appropriate memory addresses.
[0152] The system management information includes product IDs, used
time restriction information about products whose used times among
others are limited under contract, and authentication information.
The user information includes such individual information as member
IDs, user names, ages, bank accounts and credit card numbers. The
settlement information comprises the number of settlements, venue
for settlement, and date information.
[0153] The operation information includes such diverse types of
information as power-on/off count information; function-wise
operation information designating chargeable times on a
function-by-function basis; storage medium information on CDs, MDs
and DVDs employed; TV channel information indicating which channel
has been watched for how long; music information detailing, among
others, which pieces of music by whom have been played back; film
information about the titles of films watched; defect information;
and download time information for an electronic apparatus having a
downloading function.
[0154] The operation information is sent to the time charge
management company 21. The company 21 computes fees based on the
received information in accordance with the terms of contract with
the registered member, and sends the charges to the latter.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic apparatus 30 of the
second embodiment is connected to a personal computer 40 through
the interface 36. On receiving a data transfer request from the
personal computer 40, the electronic apparatus 30 reads the product
ID, member ID and operation information from the memory 353 and
transfers the retrieved data to a storage part such as a hard disc
drive of the computer 40.
[0156] The personal computer 40 is connected to a charge management
system 210 of the time charge management company 21 via a digital
communication network such as the Internet 41. When a settlement
date draws near, the charge management system 210 notifies the
personal computer 40 thereof illustratively by electronic mail and
prompts the latter to transfer operation information and other
relevant information about the electronic apparatus. If the user
has no means to handle electronic mail, then mail by the postal
service is used to notify the user of the approaching settlement
date.
[0157] Given the notice, the user connects the electronic apparatus
30 to the personal computer 40 to carry out data transfer. FIGS.
14A and 14B are flowcharts of steps for effecting data transfer
processing. FIG. 14A shows steps performed by the electronic
apparatus 30, and FIG. 14B indicates steps carried out by the
personal computer 40.
[0158] When power is turned on (in step S51), the electronic
apparatus 30 is initialized (in step S52). A check is made to see
if the electronic apparatus 30 is connected to the personal
computer 40 (in step S53). If the apparatus 30 is judged to be
connected, then arrival of a data transfer request from the
personal computer 40 is awaited (in step S54).
[0159] Upon receipt of the data transfer request from the personal
computer 40, the electronic apparatus 30 transfers its operation
information, product ID, member ID and other relevant data from the
memory 353 to the computer (in step S55). At the end of the data
transfer (in step S56), the data transferred during the preceding
settlement are erased from the memory (in step S57). The processing
routine is then terminated.
[0160] The data transferred this time are left intact while the
previous data are erased from the memory for the following reasons:
for one thing, the limited memory capacity needs to be taken into
account; for another, the current data must be retained for fear
that the data transfer might fail on a transmission channel and
need to be effected again upon request by the charge management
system. The previous data are judged no longer necessary since no
request for data retransmission has come from the charge management
system up to the current data transfer.
[0161] If a sufficiently large memory capacity is available, the
largest possible amount of transfer data may alternatively be
retained. In that case, the data two transfers ago or more ancient
data need only be erased.
[0162] Meanwhile, upon power-up (in step S61), the personal
computer 40 is initialized (in step S62). A settlement application
program is started on the user's instructions (in step S63). In
turn, a message is output prompting the user to operate on a
transfer request key icon (in step S64). When the user operates on
the transfer request key in response to the message (in step S65),
the personal computer 40 transmits a data transfer request to the
electronic apparatus 30 (in step S66).
[0163] In reply to the data transfer request, the electronic
apparatus 30 transfers data such as operation information. The
transferred data are stored on a hard disc (in step S67). When
confirming the end of data reception from the electronic apparatus
30 (in step S68), the personal computer 40 displays a data
reception complete message (in step S69), and terminates this
processing routine.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 15, upon receipt of a transfer request by
remote access from the charge management system 210 of the time
charge management company 21 (in step S71), the personal computer
40 automatically enters a transfer mode and connects to the system
210 (in step S72). The computer 40 transfers the data such as
operation information from its hard disc to the charge management
system 210 (in step S73). When verifying the end of the data
transfer (in step S74), the personal computer 40 leaves its
automatic data transfer mode.
[0165] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of steps performed during the above
processing by the charge management system 210 of the time charge
management company 21.
[0166] Before the settlement date draws near, the charge management
system 210 is in a standby state for connection with the electronic
apparatus (steps S81 and S82). Upon detecting the approach of the
settlement date (in step S82), the charge management system 210
notifies the user thereof illustratively by electronic mail as
described (in step S83).
[0167] When the settlement date is reached (in step S84), the
charge management system 210 connects to the personal computer 40
by remote access (in step S85) to prepare for data reception (in
step S86). While the preparations are underway, the system 210
retrieves data about the customer in question.
[0168] Then the data coming from the personal computer 40 as
described above are all received (in steps S87 and S88). With the
data reception completed, the charge management system 210 computes
fees for the current used time by multiplying the chargeable time,
included in the function-wise operation information, by the time
unit price (in step S89).
[0169] When the charge computation has ended, the system 210 issues
(in step S90) a bill to the user (i.e., registered member). The
bill may be sent either by electronic mail or by mail of the postal
service. Given the bill, the user effects the payment
illustratively from a convenience store or like establishments
(shown in FIG. 13) or by automatic money transfer from his bank
account or credit card company's account as mentioned earlier.
[0170] When the payment by the user is confirmed (in step S91), the
system 210 gives permission to let the electronic apparatus be used
continuously and issues a receipt (in step S92) If no payment by
the user is confirmed, a check is made to see if the time limit for
settlement is exceeded (step S93). If the time limit is judged
exceeded, then the system 210 cancels the contract and asks for the
return of the electronic apparatus by illustratively transmitting a
return request signal to the personal computer 40 (in step
S94).
[0171] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of typical steps in which the charge
management system 210 performs the charge computation of step S89
in FIG. 16. This is an example where certain terms of contract
between the manufacturer-vender and the time charge management
company are taken into account in the charge computation. A
database 211 of the charge management system 210 at the time charge
management company 21 contains product information in addition to
customer information and operation information. The product
information associates the chargeable products with their
manufacture-venders by use of product IDs. The database 211 also
includes information about specific terms of contract on each
product with its manufacturer-vender. Illustratively, each product
may be subject to a sales contract or to a sales and used
time-based fee sharing contract (or may come under the fee sharing
contract alone).
[0172] The received data are analyzed (in step S101). Using the
product ID from the analysis, the manufacturer-vender of the
electronic apparatus is identified and the contract terms are
verified (in step S102). The fee is computed in the manner
described above by use of chargeable time information retrieved
from the received data (in step S103).
[0173] With the contract terms obtained in step S102, a check is
made to see if the contract on the product in question involves a
clause for sharing fees between the time charge management company
and the manufacturer-vender (in step S104). If the fee sharing
clause is found involved, a share of the chargeable amount
(obtained in step S103) payable to the time charge management
company is computed and stored into a share memory part of the
management company (in step S105). A share of the fee payable to
the manufacturer-vender is then computed and stored into its own
share memory part (in step S106).
[0174] If in step S104 the contract is judged to include no clause
for the used time-based sharing of fees on the product, the all
chargeable amount acquired is allocated as the time charge
management company's share and stored as such into the company's
share memory part (in step S107).
[0175] With the second embodiment, the electronic apparatus 30
which supplies the charge management system with data not directly
but via a personal computer is charged suitably on a used time
basis. That is, when the settlement date arrives at predetermined
intervals (e.g., monthly), a calendar function of the clock part
352 in the charge processing part 35 is used by the electronic
apparatus 30 to notify the user of the approaching settlement date
and to prompt him to transfer data for settlement processing.
[0176] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of steps constituting a routine for
processing settlement dates and data transfers performed by the
electronic apparatus 30. The processing routine is carried out by
periodic interruption.
[0177] When the processing routine is started by interruption, the
charge processing part 35 checks to see if a settlement date is
reached or drawing near (in step S111). If the settlement date is
judged neither reached nor approaching, the processing routine is
terminated. If the settlement date is judged reached or drawing
near, the charge processing part 35 requests the microcomputer part
31 to issue a message indicative of the approaching settlement
date. The microcomputer part 31 in turn causes the display part 34
to display the message alerting the user to the approaching
settlement date (in step S112). The user is prompted to transfer
data for settlement processing.
[0178] The controlling part 351 checks to see if the user has
connected the electronic apparatus 30 to the personal computer 40
in response to the displayed message (in step S113). If no
connection is judged to be made, the controlling part 351 checks to
see if the time limit for settlement is exceeded (in step S115). If
the time limit is not judged exceeded, the processing routine is
terminated.
[0179] If the time limit for settlement is judged exceeded, the
charge processing part 35 requests the microcomputer part 31 to
disable the electronic apparatus 30 partially or totally. In turn,
the electronic apparatus 30 has its functions totally deactivated
or partially restricted (in step S116).
[0180] If in step S113 the electronic apparatus 30 is judged
connected to the personal computer 40, the microcomputer part 31
checks to see if the data transfer key is operated on (in step
S114). If the data transfer key is not judged activated; the
controlling part 351 checks to see if the time limit for settlement
is exceeded (in step S115). If the time limit is not judged
exceeded, the processing routine is terminated.
[0181] If the controlling part 351 judges the time limit for
settlement to have been exceeded, the charge processing part 35
requests the microcomputer part 31 to disable the electronic
apparatus 30 partially or totally. In turn, the electronic
apparatus 30 has its functions totally deactivated or partially
restricted (in step S116).
[0182] If in step S114 the transfer key is judged operated on, the
information in the memory 353 such as the operation information,
product ID and member ID is transferred (in step S117). At the end
of the data transfer (in step S118), the previously transferred
data are erased from the memory (in step S119), and the processing
routine is terminated.
[0183] With the second embodiment, the charge management system
collects operation information from electronic apparatuses and
analyzes the collected information to determine how the users have
used their apparatuses. For example, the management system is able
to know the most-used and the least-used functions of each
apparatus. The findings are fed back to the development of future
products from which certain functions may illustratively be omitted
for their relative inaction confirmed by the feedbacks.
[0184] According to the invention, pieces of music and videos are
charged and paid for the length of time they have been listened to
or watched. It follows that even if the contents of a storage
medium played back by the electronic apparatus are a copy and not
the original, the fees and royalties involved are still collected.
A major advantage of this scheme is that it ensures the payment of
royalties to copyright holders.
[0185] Although the second embodiment has been shown setting
function-wise weighting factors for the chargeable time computation
based on the CPU load factor, this is not limitative of the
invention. Alternatively, the memory 353 in the charge processing
part 35 may be provided with a predetermined function-to-weighting
factor correspondence table. From the table in the memory 353, a
weighting factor corresponding to any given function may be
retrieved and used in the actual computation of chargeable
times.
[0186] As another alternative, an equipment type-wise coefficient
may be set in advance to the memory 353 in conjunction with the
electronic apparatus of interest incorporating the charge
processing part 35. The coefficient may be used in computing the
chargeable time of the apparatus.
[0187] With the second embodiment, the charge processing part 35 in
the electronic apparatus 30 has been shown computing chargeable
times. Alternatively, the chargeable time computation may be
performed on the side of the charge management system if the used
time T1 and such operation information as function key-on/off
information are transferred to the system. The computation is then
made by the charge management system in the same manner as by the
charge processing part 35.
[0188] The transfer of data for settlement has been shown effected
by remote access to the personal computer 40. Alternatively, the
data transfer may be performed manually by the user through the
personal computer 40 to the charge management system 210.
[0189] The transfer of data from the electronic apparatus 30 to the
personal computer 40 has been shown triggered by the apparatus 30
in response to a data transfer request from the computer 40.
Alternatively, a data transfer key of the electronic apparatus 30
may be activated to send a data transfer request from the apparatus
30 to the personal computer 40 so that the operation information
and other relevant information about the apparatus may be
transferred to the computer.
Third Embodiment
[0190] The third embodiment of this invention is identical in
overall structure to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
[0191] Whereas the second embodiment was described as utilizing a
personal computer to transfer data for settlement, the third
embodiment is connected by wireless communication means to the
charge management system of the time charge management company. In
this structure, the third embodiment transfers operation-related
data directly to the charge management system.
[0192] FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a typical structure
of an electronic apparatus 30 practiced as the third embodiment. In
the third embodiment, the interface part 36 of the second
embodiment is replaced by a wireless communication part 37 and a
transmitting-receiving antenna 38. The remaining component parts
are the same as those of the electronic apparatus 30 as the second
embodiment.
[0193] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view picturing how the third
embodiment is typically constituted so as to transfer operation
data. In the case of the third embodiment, the charge management
system 210 of the time charge management company 21 also has a
wireless communication part 212 that exchanges diverse kinds of
data with the electronic apparatus 30 over a wireless communication
channel through an antenna 213.
[0194] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of steps constituting a data transfer
process for settlement performed by the electronic apparatus 30 as
the third embodiment.
[0195] When power is turned on (in step S121), the electronic
apparatus 30 is initialized (in step S122). When a settlement date
is reached, the charge management system 210 transits a settlement
date notice over the wireless communication channel to the
electronic apparatus 30. The charge processing part 35 of the
electronic apparatus 30 checks to see if the settlement date notice
has arrived (in step S123). Until the notice arrives, the charge
processing part 35 carries out ordinary processing such as used
time computations (in step S124).
[0196] Upon detecting the arrival of a settlement date notice, the
charge processing part 35 requests the microcomputer part 31 to
issue a message indicating the arrival of the notice. In turn, the
microcomputer part 31 causes the display part 34 to display the
message (in step S125) prompting the user to transfer necessary
data for settlement processing.
[0197] The charge processing part 35 checks information from the
microcomputer part 31 to see whether any function key has been
activated (in step S126).
[0198] With any function key yet to be activated, a check is made
to see if the time limit for settlement is exceeded (in step S127).
Upon receipt of the settlement date notice, the charge processing
part 35 starts a timer to count time up to the time limit for
settlement.
[0199] If the transfer key is not judged activated past the time
limit for settlement, the charge processing part 35 requests the
microcomputer part 31 to disable the electronic apparatus 30
partially or totally. This puts the electronic apparatus in an
operation-stopped or operation-restricted state (in step S128).
[0200] If the transfer key is judged activated in step S126, the
charge processing part 35 connects the electronic apparatus 30 to
the charge management system 210 of the time charge management
company 21 over the wireless communication channel (in step S129)
The operation information, product ID and member ID are then
transferred from the memory 353 to the charge management system 210
(in step S130). At the end of the data transfer (in step S131), the
previously transferred data are erased from the memory (in step
S132). After the data erasure, the processing routine is
terminated.
[0201] With the third embodiment, the electronic apparatus 30 has
been shown communicating with the charge management system over the
wireless communication channel. Alternatively, the wireless
communication channel may be replaced by a public switched network
such as a telephone line (ADSL, ISDN, a cellular telephone network,
a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) network, the Internet), a leased
line, or a CATV communication network for direct communication
between the electronic apparatus and the time charge management
company. Such an alternative setup permits exactly the same type of
processing as that which was described above.
Fourth Embodiment
[0202] The fourth embodiment of this invention is identical in
overall structure to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
[0203] Whereas the second and the third embodiment were shown
incorporating the charge processing part 35, the fourth embodiment
replaces that part 35 with a detachable charge processor 50.
[0204] FIG. 22 is a block diagram indicating a typical structure of
an electronic apparatus 30 practiced as the fourth embodiment
equipped with the charge processor 50. Although not shown in FIG.
22, the electronic apparatus 30 has a slot that the charge
processor 50 is attached to and detached from. Inserting the charge
processor 50 into the slot (i.e., connector) connects the processor
50 to the microcomputer part 31 as depicted in FIG. 22.
[0205] The charge processor 50 has the same structure as the charge
processing part 35. The processor 50 comprises a controlling part
51, a clock part 52, and a nonvolatile memory 53.
[0206] When data are to be transferred for settlement via the
personal computer 40 as with the second embodiment, the charge
processor 50 is attached to a transfer adapter. 61 having an
interface part 610 for connection to the personal computer 40 as
depicted in FIG. 23.
[0207] The transfer adapter 61, as with the electronic apparatus
30, comprises a slot (not shown) that the charge processor 50 is
attached to and detached from. Inserting the charge processor 50
into the slot connects the controlling part 51 of the processor 50
to the interface part 610. The interface part 610 is the same in
structure as the interface part 36 of the electronic apparatus 30
practiced as the second embodiment in FIG. 10. In this setup, the
personal computer 40 sends a data transfer request to the charge
processor 50 through the transfer adapter 61. The processor 50 in
turn transfers data to the computer 40.
[0208] If a transfer adapter 62 connectable to a telephone line as
shown in FIG. 24 is used, the charge processor 50 may be connected
to the charge management system 210 not via the personal computer
40 but directly as in the case of the third embodiment. The charge
processor 50 is then able to transfer data to the system 210.
[0209] The transfer adapter 62 of FIG. 24, as with the transfer
adapter 61, has a slot (not shown) that the charge processor 50 is
attached to and detached from. Inserting the charge processor 50
into the slot connects the controlling part 51 of the processor to
the communication interface part 620 hooked up to suitable
communication means.
[0210] In FIG. 24, the communication interface part 620 may be
replaced by a wireless communication part. The alternative setup,
as with the third embodiment, connects the electronic apparatus 30
to the charge management system 210 not via the personal computer
40 but over a public switched network such as a telephone line
(ADSL, ISDN, a cellular telephone network, a PHS (Personal
Handyphone System) network, the Internet), a leased line, or a CATV
communication network. This provides direct data transfer from the
charge processor 50 to the charge management system 210.
[0211] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of steps carried out illustratively
by the charge processor 50 with the transfer adapter 61 of FIG. 23
hooked up for use.
[0212] The controlling part 51 of the charge processor 50 first
checks to see if the processor 50 is connected to the body of the
electronic apparatus 30 (in step S141). If the charge processor 50
is judged connected to the electronic apparatus 30, then reception
of data from the microcomputer part 31 is awaited (in step
S142).
[0213] If the controlling part 51 has detected receipt of data from
the microcomputer part 31, the controlling part 51 checks to see if
the received data represent activation of any function key (in step
S143). If the data turn out to be of a different nature, an
appropriate process corresponding to the data is carried out. If
the data are judged to represent operation of a function key, the
controlling part 51 recognizes the activated function key and
stores key type information indicative of the recognized function
key into the memory 53 (in step S144).
[0214] Using information from the clock part 52, the controlling
part 51 measures an execution time in which the function in
question has been active, i.e., a used time T1 of the enabled
function (in step S145). The controlling part 51 then measures a
CPU processing time in which the CPU of the microcomputer part 31
has been continuously operating, i.e., a processing time T2
excluding the sleep time, as well as a CPU load factor P of the
microcomputer part 31 (in step S146). In this example, the CPU load
factor P is computed repeatedly during function execution.
Alternatively, the CPU load factor P may be calculated at the end
of the function execution.
[0215] As mentioned earlier, the load factor P is computed by use
of the following expression: P=(T2/T1).times.K where, K denotes a
coefficient of variation determined by the type of equipment such
as video equipment, audio equipment, television set, or storage
medium in use.
[0216] Step S145 to measure the used time T1 and step S146 to
measure both the processing time T2 and the CPU load factor P are
repeated, until execution of the function in question comes to an
end (in step S147).
[0217] When execution of the function is judged to have ended, the
controlling part 51 of the charge processor 50 computes a
chargeable time "t" (in step S148) using the following expression:
chargeable time t=used time T1.times.CPU load factor P Since the
chargeable time "t" is given as T2.times.K, it is possible
alternatively to measure only the processing time T2 and skip used
time (T1) measurement.
[0218] Information about the chargeable time at" resulting from the
computation is written to the memory 53 as part of the charging
information made up of dates, chargeable time "t" and operation
information (in step S149). Step S149 is followed by step S141.
[0219] If in step S141 the controlling part 51 does not judge that
the charge processor 50 is connected to the body of the electronic
apparatus 30, then connection of the charge processor 50 to the
transfer adapter 61 is recognized (in step S150). The controlling
part 51 checks to see if a data transfer request has arrived from
the personal computer 40 (in step S151). If no data transfer
request is judged to have arrived, step S141 is reached again.
[0220] If the data transfer request is judged to have arrived, the
controlling part 51 reads charging information from the memory 53
and transfers the information through the transfer adapter 61 to
the personal computer 40 (in step S152). On verifying completion of
the data transfer (in step S153), the controlling part 51 erases
the previously transferred charging information from the memory 53
(in step S154). Then step S141 is reached again.
Fifth Embodiment
[0221] Whereas the embodiments discussed above were shown
collecting fees or royalties after the used time of the chargeable
product was established, the fifth embodiment of this invention
adopts what may be called a prepaid scheme. Specifically, the fifth
embodiment involves the use of prepaid cards.
[0222] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of an
electronic apparatus 30 practiced as the fifth embodiment. In the
fifth embodiment, the interface part 36 of the second embodiment in
FIG. 10 or the wireless communication part 37 of the third
embodiment in FIG. 19 is replaced by a card reader 39 that reads
stored information from a prepaid card 70.
[0223] The charge processing part 35 comprising a controlling part
351, a clock part 352 and a nonvolatile memory 353 is the same in
hardware constitution as the second and the third embodiments. As
with the second or the third embodiment, the memory 353 may be
attached externally to the charge processing part 35.
[0224] The controlling part 351 is different in software structure
from the second and the third embodiments. More specifically,
whereas programs for measuring used times and chargeable times are
the same, the fifth embodiment includes software causing the
electronic apparatus 30 to settle payments based on charging
information in the memory 353 and on stored information from the
prepaid card 70.
[0225] The prepaid card 70 has usable time information written on
it in advance. The stored usable time is decremented by the charge
processing part 35 of the electronic apparatus 30 in keeping with
the time period in which the user has operated the apparatus 30. In
other words, the prepaid card 70 always retains information about
the remaining usable time.
[0226] FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts of steps performed
illustratively by the electronic apparatus 30 as the fifth
embodiment.
[0227] When the electronic apparatus 30 is turned on (in step
S161), initialization is carried out (in step S162). The
controlling part 351 checks to see if a prepaid card 70 is inserted
(in step S163). If no prepaid card is judged inserted, the
controlling part 351 causes the microcomputer part 31 to display on
a display part 34 a message prompting the user to attach the
prepaid card 70 (in step S164).
[0228] When the controlling part 351 judges that the prepaid card
70 is inserted, the controlling part 351 reads the remaining usable
time information from the card (in step S165). A check is made to
see if the remaining usable time is zero (in step S166). If the
remaining time is judged zero, the apparatus 30 causes the
microcomputer part 31 to display on the display part 34 a message
saying that the prepaid card has no remaining usable time and needs
to be replaced (in step S167).
[0229] A check is made to see if the prepaid card 70 is replaced
(in step S168). If the prepaid card 70 is not replaced, a check is
made to see if the apparatus 30 is turned off (in step S170). If
power is judged removed, the processing is brought to an end. If
power is judged still applied, then step S167 is reached again and
the message urging replacement of the prepaid card 70 is displayed
on the display part 34.
[0230] If in step S168 the controlling part 351 judges that the
prepaid card 70 is replaced, the controlling part 351 reads the
remaining usable time information from the newly inserted card (in
step S165). A check is made to see if the remaining time is zero
(step S166). If the remaining time is not judged zero, the
remaining time is displayed on the display part 34 by means of the
microcomputer part 31 (in step S169).
[0231] The controlling part 351 awaits reception of information
about function key activation from the microcomputer part 31 (in
step S171). Upon receipt of the information about any function key
being activated, the controlling part 351 recognizes the operated
function key and stores key type information into the memory 353
(in step S172).
[0232] Using information from the clock part 352, the controlling
part 351 measures an execution time in which the function in
question has been active, i.e., a used time T1 of the enabled
function (in step S173). The controlling part 351 then measures a
CPU processing time in which the CPU of the microcomputer part 31
has been continuously operating, i.e., a processing time T2
excluding the sleep time, as well as a CPU load factor P of the
microcomputer part 31 (in step S174). In this example, the CPU load
factor P is computed repeatedly during function execution.
Alternatively, the CPU load factor P may be calculated at the end
of the function execution.
[0233] As mentioned earlier, the load factor P is computed by use
of the following expression: P=(T2/T1).times.K where, K denotes a
coefficient of variation determined by the type of equipment such
as video equipment, audio equipment, television set, or storage
medium in use.
[0234] Step S173 to measure the used time T1 and step S174 to
measure both the processing time T2 and the CPU load factor P are
repeated, until execution of the function in question comes to an
end (in step S175).
[0235] When execution of the function is judged to have ended, the
controlling part 351 of the charge processing part 35 computes a
chargeable time "t" (in step S176) using the following expression:
chargeable time t=used time T1.times.CPU load factor P Since the
chargeable time "t" is given as T2.times.K, it is possible
alternatively to measure only the processing time T2 and skip used
time (T1) measurement.
[0236] Using the chargeable time "t" information thus computed, the
controlling part 351 computes the remaining usable time (in step
S177). With the remaining time computed, the remaining time
information on the prepaid card 70 is updated accordingly (in step
S178). Other information such as dates and operation information is
also written to the prepaid card 70 (in step S179). These items of
information are later retrieved from the card 70 by the time charge
management company 21 as material for market research and other
purposes.
[0237] The microcomputer part 31 then checks to see if power is
removed (in step S180). If power is not judged removed, step S171
is reached again and the activation of another function key is
awaited. If power is judged turned off, the processing routine is
terminated.
[0238] The prepaid card 70 may be sold not only through the
manufacturer-vender and time charge management company 21 but also
over the counter of convenience stores and other establishments. It
may be a good idea to devise a scheme whereby users who turned in
their exhausted prepaid cards are rewarded with bonus data and/or a
courtesy usable time card so that valuable material such as
operation information may be culled from the returned cards.
Sixth Embodiment
[0239] Whereas the fifth embodiment above was shown settling
payments after they came due by use of prepaid cards in conjunction
with the electronic apparatus, the sixth embodiment of this
invention utilizes an IC bank card in place of the prepaid card.
The electronic apparatus of the sixth embodiment is the same in
hardware constitution as that of the fifth embodiment and thus will
not be discussed further.
[0240] The sixth embodiment causes payments to be settled after
they have come due, not before. Illustratively, following step S40
in the flowchart of FIG. 11 for the second embodiment, the charge
processing part 35 computes fees corresponding to the chargeable
time. The fees are transferred from the user's bank account by use
of his IC bank card. Operation information and other related items
of information are also written to the bank card.
[0241] With the sixth embodiment, the operation information and
other relevant items written to the IC bank card are transferred
from the bank to the time charge management company 21. Of the
items of information stored in the memory 353 of the electronic
apparatus 30, the operation information may be transferred from the
electronic apparatus 30 to the time charge management company
21.
Seventh Embodiment
[0242] Whereas the fifth embodiment above was shown settling
payments after they came due by use of prepaid cards, the seventh
embodiment of this invention uses the memory 353 of the charge
processing part 35 to set up a prepaid scheme in conjunction with
the electronic apparatus 30.
[0243] The charge processing part of the seventh embodiment may be
implemented in one of two types: a built-in type such as the charge
processing part 35 inside the electronic apparatus 30 of the second
embodiment, or a detachable type such as the charge processor 50
for the fourth embodiment.
[0244] The electronic apparatus of the seventh embodiment, as with
the second embodiment, is connectable to the charge management
system 210 of the time charge management company 21 via the
personal computer 40 and over a digital or analog communication
network.
[0245] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of steps constituting overall
processing performed by the seventh embodiment.
[0246] A customer registers with the time charge management company
21 to become a registered member (in step S191). Registration of
membership may be done either over the counter of the time charge
management company or at a website on the Internet. The registered
member may declare in advance such conditions of use as a usable
time (in step S192), acquire a desired chargeable product such as
the electronic apparatus in this example (in step S193), and use
the product during the usable time declared (in step S194).
[0247] If the registered member wishes to continue using the
product past the declared usable time (in step S195), the member
makes another registration of use conditions at the website using
the personal computer 40 (in step S196), obtains registration data
(in step S197), and installs usable time data into the memory 353
of the electronic apparatus 30 (in step S198). This enables the
electronic apparatus 30 for use over an extended period.
[0248] If any extended use of the product is not desired (in step
S195), then the registered member returns the electronic apparatus
to the time charge management company 21.
[0249] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of steps carried out by the
electronic apparatus 30 of the seventh embodiment.
[0250] When the electronic apparatus 30 is turned on (in step
S201), initialization is carried out (in step S202). The
controlling part 351 reads the remaining usable time information
from the memory 353 of the charge processing part 35 (in step
S203). A check is made to see if the remaining time is zero (in
step S204). If the remaining time is judged zero, a message
prompting the user to install usable time information (i.e.,
prepaid information representative of use conditions) is displayed
on the display part 34 by means of the microcomputer part 31 (in
step S206).
[0251] Given the message, the user connects the electronic
apparatus 30 to the personal computer 40 to prepare for prepaid
information installation.
[0252] The controlling part 351 of the electronic apparatus 30
checks to see if the apparatus 30 is connected to the personal
computer 40 (in step S207). Using the personal computer 40, the
user acquires prepaid information about a usable time from the time
charge management company 21, in a manner to be described later.
The prepaid information thus obtained is transferred to the
electronic apparatus 30.
[0253] The controlling part 351 of the electronic apparatus 30
checks to see if the prepaid information has come from the personal
computer 40 (in step S208). If the receipt of the prepaid
information is confirmed, the information is installed into the
memory 353 of the charge processing part 35 (in step S209). This
rewrites the remaining usable time in the memory 353 (in step
S210).
[0254] Step S210 is followed by step S203 in which the controlling
part 351 reads the remaining usable time from the memory 353. A
check is again made to see if the remaining time is zero (in step
S204). The remaining time, if any, is displayed on the display part
34 by means of the microcomputer part 31 (in step S205).
[0255] Step S205 is followed by step S171 and subsequent steps in
FIG. 28, i.e., the same steps carried out in conjunction with the
prepaid card. Still, there is a difference: it is not the prepaid
card but the memory 353 of the charge processing part 35 in which
the usable remaining time is updated in step S178 and to which the
operation information and other relevant data are written in step
S179.
[0256] How prepaid information is installed by use of the personal
computer 40 will now be described by referring to a flowchart of
FIG. 31. The processing of FIG. 31 corresponds to the registration
of use conditions at the website in step S196 of FIG. 29.
[0257] The personal computer 40 first checks to see if the
electronic apparatus 30 is connected to it (in step S221) With the
electronic apparatus 30 judged connected an application program for
prepaid information installation is started by the user's operation
(in step S222).
[0258] The personal computer 40 reads information necessary for
membership authentication such as the member ID and product ID from
the memory 353 of the charge processing part 35 in the electronic
apparatus 30 (in step S223). After a connection is established with
the charge management system 210 of the time charge management
company 21 through a data communication network such as the
Internet, a prepaid information installation request is output to
the charge management system 210 (in step S224) together with the
information needed for membership authentication read in step
S223.
[0259] Upon receipt of the installation request, the charge
management system 210 performs membership authentication and
notifies the personal computer 40 of the result of the
authentication. Given the notice, the personal computer 40 checks
to see if the user's membership is authenticated (in step S225). If
the user's membership is not authenticated, the personal computer
40 severs the hookup to the charge management system 210 (step
S226). The processing routine is then brought to an end.
[0260] If the user's membership is found authenticated, then the
input of usable time information requested by the user is accepted
(in step S227). The accepted usable time information is sent to the
charge management system 210 (in step S228).
[0261] With the seventh embodiment, the charge management system
210 converts the accepted usable time information into a virtual
currency UT (Used Time) and regards the currency as prepaid
information. The charge management system 210 settles payments
corresponding to the prepaid information by resorting to a
settlement method registered by the user identified by his member
ID.
[0262] UT is a virtual currency unit established in consideration
of a unit used time in which the product has been used. For
example, if one UT is worth 0.1 minute and the unit time fee is
0.01 per second, then the exchange rate between the virtual
currency UT and the Japanese currency is 0.06 yen to the UT.
[0263] Cash paid in advance and converted to the virtual currency
UT is represented by prepaid information. The charge management
system 210 returns such prepaid information to the personal
computer 40.
[0264] The personal computer 40 receives the prepaid information in
virtual currency UT (in step S229). The received prepaid
information is forwarded to the electronic apparatus 30 and
installed therein as usable time information (in step S230).
[0265] With the seventh embodiment, the electronic apparatus 30
decrements by unit time the usable time information expressed in
virtual currency UT. For example, when one minute of chargeable
time has elapsed, an amount worth 10 UT units is subtracted from
the remaining usable time. The display of the remaining usable time
is carried out by converting into time numbers the usable time
information expressed in virtual currency UT.
[0266] A major advantage of the seventh embodiment is this: if it
is desired to replace the currently used product with a new one
before the remaining usable time in the memory 353 of the charge
processing part 35 is exhausted, the replaced old product with its
remaining usable time can still be marketed in the secondhand
product market.
[0267] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing how a replaced but
still usable product is typically handled on a secondhand product
market. A secondhand product dealer reads the remaining usable time
from the memory 353 of the replaced electronic apparatus 30, and
sets fees corresponding to the retrieved remaining time. Whereas
the electronic apparatus of the seventh embodiment displays its
remaining usable time when turned on, other electronic apparatuses
with no such remaining time display function can still be placed on
the secondhand product market if their remaining usable time
information is retrieved and established as a marketable resource
by the personal computer or by a suitable dedicated reading
device.
[0268] As with the first embodiment, any one of the second through
the seventh embodiments may have its accumulated used time computed
for charges based on the time-price relationship table of FIG. 2
for depreciation purposes.
Eighth Embodiment
[0269] The eighth embodiment of this invention is also implemented
as an electronic apparatus. Whereas the foregoing embodiments were
each shown fabricated as a time-charged model from the beginning,
the eighth embodiment may be switched between a time-charged model
and an ordinary sell-off model setting, simply by use of a
password.
[0270] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of steps in which the electronic
apparatus of the eighth embodiment is switched between settings of
the two models.
[0271] When power is turned on (in step S231), initialization is
carried out (in step S232). The input of a password is awaited (in
step S233). If the microcomputer part 31 judges that no password is
input within a predetermined time period (in step S240), the
electronic apparatus is automatically turned off (in step S241),
and this processing routine is terminated.
[0272] If the microcomputer part 31 judges that a password is input
in time, the microcomputer part 31 subjects the password to
authentication (in step S234). If the password is not authenticated
(in step S235), the electronic apparatus is automatically turned
off (in step S241), and the processing routine is brought to an
end.
[0273] If the input password is authenticated (in step S235), the
microcomputer part 31 checks to see if the password represents a
time charge number (in step S236). The time -charge number is a
number that is attached to the time-charged model.
[0274] If in step S236 the microcomputer part 31 judges that the
input password is not the time charge number, then the electronic
apparatus is established as an ordinary sell-off model (in step
S242). In the electronic apparatus of the ordinary model, the
charge processing part 35 remains inactive.
[0275] If in step S236 the input password is judged to be the time
charge number, the electronic apparatus is established as a
time-charged model and its charge processing part 35 is activated
(in step S237). After the electronic apparatus is initialized as
the time-charged model (in step S238), the apparatus is enabled so
as to effect the diverse functions discussed in connection with the
foregoing embodiments (in step S239). Although the flowchart of
FIG. 33 shows how password authentication is carried out to
establish each of an ordinary sell-off model and a time-charged
model, this is not limitative of the invention. Alternatively, the
routine may be rearranged to authenticate the password to establish
either an ordinary sell-off model or a time-charged model only.
[0276] As described, the electronic apparatus of the eighth
embodiment is classified either as an ordinary sell-off model or a
time-charged model by the simple input of a password. There is no
need to manufacture electronic apparatuses in two different models.
This facilitates mass-production of the apparatuses, which
contributes to reducing their costs.
Ninth Embodiment
[0277] The ninth embodiment of this invention is another example of
the prepaid scheme. But instead of using prepaid cards or IC bank
cards, the ninth embodiment utilizes coin-type virtual currency.
Each coin contains electronic circuitry made up of a storage part
for storing operation data and other relevant information, a
processing part for computing charges, and a data
transmitter-receiver. In the description that follows, the virtual
currency coin will be referred to as UT (Used Time) Money (not to
be confused with electronic money constituted by electronic
data).
[0278] The ninth embodiment makes use of the virtual currency UT
discussed in connection with the seventh embodiment above. The
virtual currency UT represents the value of usable time information
held in the storage part of the electronic circuitry in the coin.
As mentioned earlier, the unit of the virtual currency is one
UT.
[0279] The ninth embodiment presupposes the business model shown in
FIG. 9. To have its used time paid for, the ninth embodiment
resorts to a scheme depicted in FIG. 34 in which charges are
settled through the UT Money.
[0280] As described earlier, the user registers with the time
charge management company 21 to become a registered member 27. As a
registered member, the user takes delivery of the electronic
apparatus 30 whose use contract has been concluded with the time
charge management company 21, and receives UT Money 80. At this
point, the storage part of the UT Money 80 contains the virtual
currency units UT corresponding to the amount paid by the
registered member. The UT count represents the usable time of the
product. The storage part of the UT Money 80 also retains such
user-related information as the name of the registered member 27
(i.e., user's name), user ID, and password.
[0281] The registered member 27 inserts into the electronic
apparatus 30 a UT Money 80 whose UT count as the virtual currency
is not zero (i.e., the usable time is not zero). This allows the
electronic apparatus 30 to start being used. As in the case of the
prepaid card above, the electronic apparatus 30 has its used time
converted into the corresponding amount of virtual currency UT for
charge processing. Specifically, the virtual currency UT count in
the storage part of the UT Money 80 is decremented by an amount
corresponding to the accumulated used time. During the charge
processing, the electronic apparatus 30 writes use history
information to the storage part of the UT Money 80. The use history
information includes dates of use, used time periods and other
relevant data.
[0282] The registered member 27 can buy additional virtual currency
UT at a UT trading kiosk terminal 90 when the remaining UT count of
the virtual currency is running short in the storage part of the UT
Money 80. With the ninth embodiment, the registered member 27 may
sell an unnecessary but still usable coin in virtual currency UT at
the UT trading kiosk terminal 90.
[0283] The UT trading kiosk terminal 90 is connected to the time
charge management company 21 through the digital communication
network 29. The UT trading kiosk terminal 90, upon request by the
management company 21 or on its own initiative, transfers to the
management company 21 UT trading information as well as use history
information retrieved from the UT Money 80.
[0284] The ninth embodiment regards the virtual currency UT as a
fluctuating currency, as will be described later. One factor of
currency fluctuation is defined by the past history of used times
such as the accumulated used time per day or per month. That is, if
the used time of the preceding month turned out to be relatively
short, the exchange rate of the virtual currency UT for this month
is lowered; if the used time of the preceding month was relatively
long, the exchange rate for this month is raised. The exchange rate
is modified by altering an exchangeable amount per UT. Although it
is possible to change the used time per UT, altering the
exchangeable amount is more convenient because the absence of the
need to change the used time per UT means there is no need to
modify the exchange rate in computing the usable time.
[0285] Another factor of virtual currency fluctuation is defined by
the number of virtual currency units UT traded. Specifically, if a
large number of virtual currency units UT have been traded, the
exchange rate of the virtual currency is raised; if only a small
number of virtual currency units UT have been traded, the exchange
rate is lowered. In such a case, the number of virtual currency
units UT traded with the ninth embodiment is determined not only by
the number of traded UT units reported by the kiosk terminals 90
but also by the number of UT units traded on a virtual UT trading
market 100, to be described later.
[0286] The exchange rate of the virtual currency UT is determined
as described illustratively by the month and transferred to each
kiosk terminal 90 over the digital communication network 29. The
transferred rate is used as the month's exchange rate for trading
the virtual currency UT. The registered member 27 buys or sells the
virtual currency in reference to this exchange rate.
[0287] When the virtual currency is allowed to fluctuate in value
with regard to the actual currency, any seasonal fluctuations in
used time of the electronic apparatus 30 are averaged out over
time. This can contribute to raising the operating rate of the
electronic apparatus 30. A boosted operating rate of the electronic
apparatus 30 helps reduce its excess stock as a product to be
charged for used time.
[0288] Suppose that the use status of a time-chargeable product
such as the electronic apparatus 30 fluctuates due to economic,
seasonal and/or political factors. In that case, if the charging
rate is fixed with respect to used time, the used time count of the
electronic apparatus 30 can fluctuate wildly as indicated by thick
solid lines 101 in FIG. 35.
[0289] By contrast, if the charging rate of the virtual currency UT
is allowed to fluctuate as plotted by broken lines 102 in FIG. 35,
then the used time is expected to drop when the exchange rate is
higher and go up when the rate is lower. This scheme, when
implemented, is expected to average out seasonal fluctuations in
used time of the electronic apparatus 30, as illustrated by thin
solid lines 103 in FIG. 35.
[0290] If the virtual currency UT itself is traded, more UT units
are expected to be purchased when the exchange rate is lower and
sold when the rate is higher. This allows users to take advantage
of any fluctuations in the exchange rate of the virtual currency UT
traded.
[0291] Described below are some structural examples of the UT Money
80 shown in FIG. 34. FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate a first
structural example of the UT Money 80. FIG. 36A is a front view of
the first example of the UT Money 80, and FIG. 36B is a
cross-sectional view taken on line Y-Y in FIG. 36A.
[0292] The UT Money 80 of the first example is constituted by a
flat disc 81 which is made of a metal or resin material and which
has a circular depression 82 in the middle. The depression 82 of
the UT Money 80 accommodates an electronic circuit 83 and is packed
with a filler 84 to secure the circuit 83 inside. A typical filler
84 is an ultraviolet curing resin. In this example, the depth L2 of
the circular depression 82 should be smaller than the thickness L1
of the disc 81, e.g., L2=L1/2 or thereabout. The depression 82 is
insulated from the electronic circuit 83.
[0293] In the first example, as shown in FIG. 37, the electronic
circuit 83 includes a controlling part 831 composed of a
microcomputer, a memory 832, a clock part 833, a transmitting part
834, and a receiving part 835. The transmitting part 834 and
receiving part 835 of this setup exchange data with the outside on
a wireless basis. Data may be transmitted and received by radio, by
infrared emissions, or by ultrasonic waves.
[0294] FIGS. 38A and 38B sketch a second structural example of the
UT Money 80. FIG. 38A is a front view of the second example of the
UT Money 80, and FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view taken on line
Y-Y in FIG. 38A. FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C are explanatory views
outlining steps to fabricate the structure.
[0295] The UT Money 80 of the second example is also constituted by
a flat disc 81 which is made of a metal or resin material with an
electronic circuit 83 embedded in the middle. What characterizes
the second example is that measures are taken to attach the
embedded electronic circuit 83 securely to the disc 81.
[0296] In the second example, as shown in FIG. 39A, the disc 81 has
at its center a through-hole 85 that is concentric with the
circumference of the disc 81. The inner wall of the through-hole 85
is furnished with tapered faces 85A and 85B which get larger in
diameter as they approach both surfaces of the disc 81. The inner
wall of the through-hole 85 also has a plurality of projections 86
that fasten the electronic circuit 83 in place.
[0297] The electronic circuit 83 is placed onto and engaged with
the projections 86 as illustrated in FIG. 39B, so that the circuit
83 is accommodated snugly inside the through-hole 85. With the
state of FIG. 39B kept unchanged, the through-hole 85 is stuffed
completely with the filler 84 as shown in FIG. 39C. The filler 84
may be an ultraviolet curing resin as mentioned above.
[0298] According to the second structural example of the UT Money,
the tapered faces 85A and 85B of the through-hole 85 prevent the
electronic circuit 83 packed with the filler 84 from getting
detached from the disc 81.
[0299] Described below with reference to FIG. 40 is a typical
hardware constitution of the electronic apparatus 30 practiced as
the ninth embodiment.
[0300] As illustrated in FIG. 40, the electronic apparatus 30 of
the ninth embodiment has a UT Money loading/ejecting mechanism 301.
Loading the UT Money 80 into the UT Money loading/ejecting
mechanism 301 allows the electronic apparatus 30 to start being
used. If the remaining UT count is zero in the memory 832 of the
electronic circuit 83 within the UT Money 80, then loading the UT
Money 80 will not get the electronic apparatus 30 started.
[0301] The UT Money 80 is loaded and ejected by the user operating
on a load/eject key to activate the UT Money loading/ejecting
mechanism 301 that is under control of the microcomputer part 31.
The UT Money 80 may be ejected automatically by the electronic
apparatus 30 if, say, the remaining UT count of the UT Money 80 is
zero.
[0302] The electronic apparatus 30 of the ninth embodiment has no
charge processing part. Charge processing is performed by the
controlling part 831 of the electronic circuit 83 within the UT
Money 80, in a manner to be described later. It is also possible
for the electronic apparatus 30 to incorporate a charge processing
part so that an outcome of the charge processing may be transferred
to the UT Money 80.
[0303] The electronic apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes a
transmitting part 302 and a receiving part 303 for exchanging data
with the UT Money 80. As with the setup shown in FIG. 22, the
electronic apparatus 30 has a microcomputer part 31 connected to a
function executing part 32, to a key operation part 33 and to a
display part 34.
[0304] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of steps in which the electronic
apparatus 30 typically operates as the ninth embodiment. Most of
the steps in FIG. 41 are carried out by the microcomputer part
31.
[0305] When the electronic apparatus 30 is turned on (in step
S251), initialization is performed (in step S252). The
microcomputer part 31 checks to see if any UT Money 80 is loaded
(in step S253). If no UT Money 80 is judged loaded, a message
prompting the user to load the UT Money 80 is displayed on the
display part 34 (in step S254).
[0306] When the microcomputer part 31 judges that the UT Money 80
is loaded, the microcomputer part 31 sends a UT information
transfer request to the UT Money 80 through the transmitting part
302. A response from the UT Money 80 carrying UT count information
is received through the receiving part 303 (in step S255). A check
is made to see if the UT Money 80 has any remaining UT count (in
step S256). If the remaining UT count is found zero, the
microcomputer part 31 displays on the display part 34 a message
saying that the UT Money 80 has no remaining UT count and needs to
be replaced (in step S257).
[0307] The UT Money 80 is then ejected (in step S258). Replacement
of the UT Money 80 is awaited (in step S259). If the-UT Money 80 is
not replaced, a check is made to see if power is turned off (in
step S260). If power is judged removed, the processing is brought
to an end. If power is not turned off, then step S257 is reached
again and the display part 34 is made to display the message saying
that the UT Money 80 has no remaining UT count and needs to be
replaced.
[0308] If in step S259 the replacement of the UT Money 80 is
confirmed, the remaining UT count is read from the replaced UT
Money 80 (in step S255). A check is made to see if the remaining UT
count is zero (in step S256). If the remaining UT count is not
found zero, that count is converted to a usable time (in step
S261). The usable time is displayed on the display part 34 (in step
S262).
[0309] The microcomputer part 31 checks to see if any function key
is activated through the key operation part 33 (in step S263). If
any function key is judged operated on, the type of the activated
function key is recognized and key type information is transmitted
to the UT Money 80 through the transmitting part 302 (in step
S264).
[0310] A check is then made to see if power is turned off (in step
S265). If power is not judged removed, step S263 is reached again,
and step S263 and subsequent steps are repeated. If in step S265
power is judged turned off, end-of-use information is transmitted
to the UT Money 80 through the transmitting part 302 (in step
S266). The processing is then terminated.
[0311] What takes place when the UT Money 80 is loaded into the
electronic apparatus 30 will now be described with reference to a
flowchart of FIG. 42. The steps of FIG. 42 start being performed
when the controlling part 831 of the UT Money 80 judges that the UT
Money 80 has been loaded into the UT Money loading/ejecting
mechanism 301 of the electronic apparatus 30.
[0312] Loading of the UT Money 80 is detected by optical or
electronic means illustratively in the UT Money loading/ejecting
mechanism 301 of the electronic apparatus 30. Once the UT Money 80
is judged loaded by the electronic apparatus 30, a loading
detection signal is transmitted through the transmitting part 302.
Alternatively, the UT Money 80 may include optical or electronic
means to detect its loading into the UT Money loading/ejecting
mechanism 301 of the electronic apparatus 30.
[0313] When the UT Money 80 is loaded into the electronic apparatus
30, a UT count transmission request is sent from the apparatus 30.
When receipt of the transmission request is confirmed (in step
S271), the remaining UT count is read from the memory 832 and
transmitted to the electronic apparatus 30 through the transmitting
part 834 (in step S272).
[0314] If function key operation information is received from the
electronic apparatus 30 (in step S273), the activated function key
is recognized and information about the function key is stored into
the memory 832 (in step S274).
[0315] The controlling part 831 measures an execution time in which
the function in question has been active, i.e., a used time T1 of
the enabled function in accordance with clock information from the
clock part 833 (in step S275). With information exchanged between
the electronic apparatus 30 and the UT Money 80, the controlling
part 831 measures a CPU processing time in which the CPU of the
microcomputer part 31 has been continuously operating, i.e., a
processing time T2 excluding the sleep time, as well as a CPU load
factor P of the microcomputer part 31 (in step S276). In this
example, the CPU load factor P is computed repeatedly during
function execution. Alternatively, the CPU load factor P may be
calculated at the end of the function execution.
[0316] As mentioned earlier, the load factor P is computed by use
of the following expression: P=(T2/T1).times.K where, K denotes a
coefficient of variation determined by the type of equipment such
as video equipment, audio equipment, television set, or storage
medium in use.
[0317] Step S275 to measure the used time T1 and step S276 to
measure both the processing time T2 and the CPU load factor P are
repeated, until execution of the function in question comes to an
end (in step S277).
[0318] When execution of the function is judged to have ended, the
controlling part 831 of the UT Money 80 computes a chargeable time
"t" (in step S278) using the following expression: chargeable time
t=used time T1.times.CPU load factor P Since the chargeable time
"t" is given as T2.times.K, it is possible alternatively to measure
only the processing time T2 and skip used time (T1)
measurement.
[0319] Using the chargeable time "t" information thus computed, the
controlling part 831 computes the remaining usable time (in step
S279). The remaining usable time thus computed is converted to a UT
count (in step S280). This UT count is subtracted from the UT count
in the memory 832 of the UT Money 80, whereby the remaining UT
count is updated (in step S281). Other information such as dates
and operation information is also written to the memory 832 of the
UT Money 80 (in step S282). These items of information are later
retrieved from the UT Money 80 at the kiosk-terminal 90 as will be
described later and sent to the time charge management company 21
as material for market research to determine UT exchange rate and
for other purposes.
[0320] A check is then made to see if power is removed (in step
S283). If power is not judged removed, step S273 is reached again
and activation of another function key is awaited. If power is
judged turned off, the processing routine is terminated.
[0321] Although the example above was shown having charge
processing performed by the UT Money 80, this is not limitative of
the invention. Alternatively, as with the setup in FIG. 10, the
electronic apparatus may incorporate a charge processing part that
may transfer results of its charge processing to the UT Money
80.
[0322] A typical constitution of the UT trading kiosk terminal 90
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. FIG. 43 is
a block diagram outlining a typical internal structure of the UT
trading kiosk terminal 90.
[0323] As shown in FIG. 43, the UT trading kiosk terminal 90
comprises: a controlling part 900 made of a microcomputer; a UT
Money loading/ejecting part 901; a transmitting part 902 for
transmitting data to be written to the UT Money 80; a receiving
part 903 for receiving data read from the memory 832 of the UT
Money 80; a cash accepting and computing part 904; a change issuing
part 905; a display part 906 composed of an LCD (liquid crystal
display); a key operation part 907 including such keys as numeric
keys, a UT buy key and a UT sell key (to be described later); a
clock part 908; a communication part 909 connected to a digital
communication network 29 illustratively through a telephone line
for communication with the time charge management company 21; and a
memory 910. The digital communication network 29 may be replaced by
an analog communication network.
[0324] FIG. 44 is a schematic view sketching a typical operation
panel of the UT trading kiosk terminal 90. As illustrated in FIG.
44, the operation panel has a display screen 906D of the display
part 906 along with a plurality of keys constituting the key
operation part 907. In this example, the key operation part 907
includes numeric keys 920, a UT buy key 911, a UT sell key 912, an
OK key 913, a cancel key 914, and a correction key 915.
[0325] The operation panel also has a UT Money loading slot 916, a
bank note loading slot 917, a coin loading slot 918, and a
change/refund port 919.
[0326] UT trading kiosk terminal 90 allows users not only to buy
but also to sell the virtual currency UT. The exchange rate for UT
trading is sent from the time charge management company 21 to the
UT trading kiosk terminal 90 over the digital communication network
29. The exchange rate is also disclosed at the website of the time
charge management company 21 on the Internet.
[0327] In this example, the charge management system of the time
charge management company 21 determines the UT exchange rate by the
month as will be explained later. Alternatively, the exchange rate
may be updated weekly or daily.
[0328] The exchange rate information is written to and stored in
the memory 910 of the UT trading kiosk terminal 90. The controlling
part 900 of the terminal 90 reads the exchange rate information
from the memory 910 and displays on the display screen 906D an
exchange rate for buying the virtual currency UT (i.e., UT buying
rate) and an exchange rate for selling the currency UT (UT selling
rate) as shown in FIG. 44. By referring to the UT exchange rates
disclosed at the website or displayed at the UT trading kiosk
terminal 90, users may wish to buy additional UT units in a month
when the exchange rate is low and to sell their UT units in a month
when the rate is high.
[0329] If the UT Money 80 is loaded into the UT trading kiosk
terminal 90 through the UT Money loading slot 916; the terminal 90
displays the remaining UT count of the Money 80 on the screen 906D
as depicted in FIG. 44. The display allows the user to verify the
remaining UT count of the UT Money 80. If the user merely wishes to
know the remaining UT count, simply pushing the cancel key 914
causes the UT Money 80 to be ejected from the UT Money loading slot
916.
[0330] A user wishing to buy the virtual currency UT proceeds to
push the buy key 911, not the cancel key 914, and types in a
desired UT count to buy by operating the numeric keys 920. A user
wishing to sell the virtual currency UT pushes the sell key 912 and
enters a desired UT count to sell by operating the numeric keys
920. The screen 906D displays the UT count thus input, so that the
user can confirm the desired UT count. If necessary, the user may
push the correction key 915 to replace the currently displayed
count with another UT count desired.
[0331] The UT trading kiosk terminal 90 converts the input UT count
into an exchangeable amount using the current exchange rate and
displays the computed amount on the display screen 906D. The buyer
or seller of the virtual currency UT verifies the input UT count
and the corresponding exchangeable amount before pushing the OK key
913.
[0332] If the user has chosen to buy the virtual currency UT, the
UT trading kiosk terminal 90 causes the display, screen 906D to
indicate a message requesting the user to pay in cash. The terminal
90 is now ready to accept the payment. The user enters the
necessary amount of cash through the bank note loading slot 917 and
coin loading slot 918. The amount thus loaded is displayed on the
display screen 906D. If an amount of cash in excess of the exact
amount to be exchanged is entered, then the UT trading kiosk
terminal 90 collects the necessary amount, writes the purchased UT
count to the memory 832 of the UT Money 80, pays the balance as
change, and ejects the Money 80 from the UT Money loading slot
916.
[0333] If the user has decided to sell the virtual currency UT and
pushed the OK key 913, the UT trading kiosk terminal 90 refunds
through the change/refund port 919 the amount of cash displayed as
the exchangeable amount on the display screen 906D. The terminal 90
subtracts the sold UT count from the remaining UT count in the UT
Money 80, and ejects the UT Money 80 from the loading slot 916.
[0334] Described below with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 45 and
46 are steps performed primarily by the controlling part 900 of the
UT trading kiosk terminal 90 when the virtual currency UT is bought
and sold in the form of the UT Money 80.
[0335] A check is first made by optical or electronic means to see
if the UT Money 80 is entered through the UT Money loading slot 916
(in step S291). If the UT Money 80 is judged entered, a data
transfer request is transmitted to the Money 80. In response, the
remaining UT count and operation data are received from the UT
Money 80 (in step S292). The remaining UT count thus received is
displayed on the display screen 906D (in step S293) while the
operation data are written to the memory 910 (in step S294).
[0336] The controlling part 900 checks to see if the user has
pushed the buy key 911 (in step 295). If the buy key 911 is not
judged pushed, a check is then made to see if the user has pushed
the sell key 912 (in step S296). If the sell key 912 is not judged
pushed, then a check is made to see if the cancel key 914 is pushed
(in step S297). If the cancel key 914 is judged operated on, the UT
Money 80 is ejected from the UT trading kiosk terminal 90 (in step
S308) and the processing is terminated. If the cancel key 914 is
not judged activated, step S295 is reached again and operation of
the buy key 911 or sell key 912 is awaited.
[0337] If the buy key 911 is judged pushed in step S295, a message
prompting the user to input a desired UT count is displayed on the
display screen 906D (in step S298). On viewing the message, the
user enters a desired UT count. The input UT count is accepted and
converted into an exchangeable amount in accordance with the UT
buying rate for the month, and the amount is displayed on the
display screen 906D (in step S299).
[0338] As described, the user pushes the OK key 913 when finalizing
the desired UT count or operates on the cancel key 914 when
canceling the purchase of the virtual currency UT. The UT trading
kiosk terminal 90 checks to see if the OK key 913 is pushed (in
step S300). If the OK key is not judged activated, a check is then
made to see if the cancel key 914 is pushed (in step S301). If the
cancel key 914 is judged operated on, step S308 is reached in which
the UT Money 80 is ejected and the processing is terminated. If in
step S301 the cancel key 914 is not judged activated, step S300 is
reached again and operation of the OK key 913 is awaited.
[0339] If in step S300 the OK key 913 is judged pushed, a message
requesting loading of the cash corresponding to the exchange amount
is output (in step S302). With the loaded bank notes and/or coins
counted, a check is made to see if the cash is sufficient to cover
the exchangeable amount (in step S303). If a sufficient amount of
cash is judged loaded, the exact amount displayed is collected, and
the UT Money 80 receives total UT count data given by adding the
remaining UT count and the newly purchased UT count, as well as a
request for updating the remaining UT count accordingly (in step
S304) In turn, the UT Money 80 replaces the remaining UT count with
the received total UT count in the memory 832.
[0340] The UT trading kiosk terminal 90 adds the newly bought UT
count to the hitherto-purchased UT count and stores the sum into
the memory 910 (in step S305). A check is made to see if there is a
balance between the exchangeable amount and what the user has
entered in cash (in step S306) The balance if any is refunded as
change through the change/refund port 919 (in step S307). If there
is no balance, step S308 is reached immediately in which the UT
Money 80 is ejected and the processing is terminated.
[0341] If in step S296 the sell key 912 is judged activated, a
message prompting the user to input a desired UT count is displayed
on the display screen 906D (in step S311 of FIG. 46). On viewing
the display, the user inputs a desired UT count. The input UT count
is accepted and converted into an exchangeable amount in accordance
with the UT selling rate for the month, and the amount is displayed
on the display screen 906D (in step S312).
[0342] As described, the user pushes the OK key 913 when finalizing
the desired UT count or operates on the cancel key 914 when
canceling the selling of the virtual currency UT. The UT trading
kiosk terminal 90 checks to see if the OK key 913 is pushed (in
step S313). If the OK key is not judged activated, a check is then
made to see if the cancel key 914 is pushed (in step S314). If the
cancel key 914 is judged operated on, step S318 is reached in which
the UT Money 80 is ejected and the processing is terminated. If in
step S314 the cancel key 914 is not judged activated, step S313 is
reached again and operation of the OK key 913 is awaited.
[0343] If in step S313 the OK key 913 is judged pushed, the UT
Money 80 receives total UT count data given by subtracting the sold
UT count from the remaining UT count, as well as a request for
updating the remaining UT count accordingly. In turn, the UT Money
80-replaces the remaining UT count with the received total UT count
in the memory 832 (in step S315).
[0344] The UT trading kiosk terminal 90 adds the newly sold UT
count to the hitherto-sold UT count and stores the sum into the
memory 910 (in step S316). The exchangeable amount is refunded in
cash through the change/refund port 919 (in step S317). In step
S318, the UT Money 80 is ejected and the processing is
terminated.
[0345] As described, the UT trading kiosk terminal 90 retrieves
operation data from the memory 832 of the UT Money 80 at the time
of buying or selling of the virtual currency UT. The retrieved data
are stored into the memory 910. The UT trading kiosk terminal 90
also retains the number of traded UT units in the memory 910. The
data thus held at the kiosk terminal 90 are transmitted to the time
charge management company 21 when so requested by the company
21.
[0346] Described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 47 are
steps performed by the UT trading kiosk terminal 90 upon receipt of
a transmission request from the time charge management company
21.
[0347] A check is made to see if a transmission request is received
from the time charge management company 21 (in step S321). If the
transmission request is judged received, the kiosk terminal 90
reads from the memory 910 the operation data collected from the UT
Money 80 including used time information, as well as data
indicative of the number of UT units bought and the number of UT
units sold (in step S322). The data thus retrieved are output to
the time charge management company 21 (in step S323). After
transmission of the data, the kiosk terminal 90 erases the
operation data and the data about the traded UT units from the
memory 910 (in step S324).
[0348] With the ninth embodiment, the charge management system of
the time charge management company 21 determines at the end of the
month the exchange rate of the virtual currency UT for the next
month in accordance with the used times accumulated by the
electronic apparatus 30 this month and with the total UT units
traded during the month. The exchange rate thus determined is
disclosed at the company's website on the Internet and is sent to
each UT trading kiosk terminal 90 for use during the next
month.
[0349] Steps performed by the charge management system of the time
charge management company 21 are described below with reference to
a flowchart of FIG. 48. This flowchart shows how a controlling part
within the charge management system typically operates.
[0350] A check is first made to see if it is time to determine the
exchange rate of the virtual currency UT (in step S331). If it is
not yet time to determine the exchange rate, the charge management
system collects used time data about the electronic apparatus 30
(in step S332) and traded UT count data (in step S333) from the UT
trading kiosk terminal 90 as described.
[0351] If in step S331 it is judged that now is the time to
determine the exchange rate, the charge management system computes
a total used time Tm for the current month based on the collected
used time data (in step S334). An average monthly used time Mm is
then obtained (in step S335) using the following expression:
Mm=Tm/N where N denotes the number of currently registered
members.
[0352] An accumulated used time Ts of the electronic apparatus 30
is then computed (in step S336). An average accumulated used time
Ms is acquired (in step S337) by dividing the accumulated number of
registered members per month by the total number of registered
members (N), using the following expression: Ms=Ts/N
[0353] The traded UT count data thus collected are analyzed (in
step S338). Based on the result of the analysis, an exchange
coefficient Ka for use in determining the exchange rate is modified
(in step S339). If the number of UT units bought is higher than the
number of UT units sold, the exchange coefficient Ka is modified in
a way raising the UT exchange rate; if the purchased UT count is
lower than the sold UT count, the exchange coefficient Ka is
modified so as to lower the UT exchange rate.
[0354] The UT exchange rate Xm for the next month is obtained (in
step S340) using the expression: Xm=Xs+Ka(Mm-Ms) where Xs
represents a reference UT exchange rate. The reference UT exchange
rate is a rate that determines in advance a reference charge unit
about the used time of the electronic apparatus 30 with respect to
the virtual currency UT. Alternatively, the rate Xs may be defined
not as the reference UT exchange rate but as the UT exchange rate
of the preceding month.
[0355] The UT exchange rate thus determined is disclosed at the
management company's website on the Internet and is sent to each UT
trading kiosk terminal 90 for use during the next month (in step
S341).
[0356] As described, the charge management system of the time
charge management company 21 determines the UT exchange rate for
the next month based on the past used time and on the traded UT
units.
[0357] The shorter the average used time Mm for this month than the
hitherto-accumulated average used time or the smaller the number of
virtual currency units UT bought during the month, the lower the UT
exchange rate set for the next month. It follows that the
electronic apparatus 30 is charged less for its use. This should
promote the use of the apparatus 30 and urge users to buy the
virtual currency UT. Meanwhile, the number of sold UT units
diminishes.
[0358] The longer the average used time Mm for this month than the
hitherto-accumulated average used time or the larger the number of
virtual currency units UT bought during the month, the higher the
UT exchange rate set for the next month. This means that the
electronic apparatus 30 is charged more for its use. This will
discourage the use of the apparatus 30 and dissuade users from
buying the virtual currency UT. On the other hand, the number of UT
units sold increases.
[0359] As described, the ninth embodiment employs the virtual
currency UT as a fluctuating currency. Fluctuating values of the
currency prompt registered members to use the electronic apparatus
with averaged (and thereby minimized) seasonal variations in used
time.
[0360] The number of traded UT units collected by the charge
management system of the time charge management company includes
not only the UT units traded at the UT trading kiosk terminal 90
but also those traded on the virtual UT trading market 100. How UT
units are traded on the virtual UT trading market 100 will now be
described.
[0361] FIG. 49 schematically shows how the virtual UT trading
market 100 operates. A website 110 run by a virtual UT market
management system 212 of the time charge management company 21
functions as a primary base for the virtual UT trading market. Only
the members registered with the time charge management company 21
are authorized to trade the virtual currency UT at the website 110.
The charge management system 211 subjects to authentication any
user who has made a seller or buyer posting request. Anyone who is
not authenticated as a duly registered member is rejected.
[0362] A registered member who wishes to sell his virtual currency
UT holdings has his status posted as a seller at the website 110
together with a desired UT selling rate. The seller's posted status
and desired UT selling rate cannot be altered until a predetermined
time period passes. The charge management system 211 retains dates
at which members' seller postings were made. A member is allowed to
have his posted seller's status and desired UT selling rate altered
upon elapse of the predetermined period of time after the date of
the posting.
[0363] Any member who has had his status posted as a seller cannot
become a buyer of the virtual currency UT as long as he remains a
seller. If a registered seller attempts access to the virtual UT
market management system 212 as a buyer, that attempt is rejected
as illegal.
[0364] Registered members may have their status posted as buyers at
any time. When having his status posted as a buyer of UT units, the
member enters a desired UT buying rate and a desired UT count to
buy. In response, the virtual UT market management system 212
presents to the buyer which of the sellers' desired UT selling
rates is closest to the buyer's desired UT buying rate. If the
buyer agrees to buy UT units at the presented seller's rate, then a
deal is made between the two parties. The buyer may reject the
presented rate and may have his status posted again along with the
desired UT buying rate. In such a case, buying rates are posted on
a first-come, first-served basis. This means that after having his
status posted again as a buyer, the user may not be able to buy UT
units at the old buying rate in effect before the posting.
[0365] Described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 50 are
steps performed by the virtual UT market management system 212 when
a member has his status posted as a seller. This flowchart shows
how a controlling part within the virtual UT market management
system 212 typically operates.
[0366] A check is first made to see if access is attempted
requesting a user's posting as a seller (in step S351). If such
access is judged to be made, the user who attempted access is put
to authentication based on the membership number entered (in step
S352). A check is made to see if access has been attempted by a
registered number (in step S353). If the user is not judged to be a
duly registered member, that user is notified of a rejection of his
posting attempt through the website (in step S359) and the
processing routine is terminated.
[0367] If the user attempting access is judged to be a registered
member, the virtual UT market management system 212 awaits input of
a desired UT selling rate and the number of UT units to sell,
accepts the input and places it into an internal memory together
with the membership number and the date of posting (in step
S354).
[0368] The virtual UT market management system 212 sends to the
member posted as a seller a request for having the posted UT count
data transferred (in step S355).
[0369] All members who wish to trade UT units on the virtual UT
trading market 100 rent beforehand a UT data transfer adapter (not
shown). When trading UT units, the member connects the transfer
adapter to his personal computer and loads the UT Money 80 into the
adapter. As a seller, the member enters a desired UT count to sell
and issues a transfer instruction through the personal computer. In
turn, the personal computer using a transfer application program of
the adapter retrieves the designated UT count from the UT Money 80
and transmits the retrieved data to the virtual UT market
management system 212. The UT Money 80 has its remaining UT count
updated in the memory 832 to reflect the subtracted UT count.
[0370] The virtual UT market management system 212 checks to see if
the UT data have been received from the seller. If no UT data are
judged to have arrived, the system 212 returns a rejection of the
posting as a seller to the member and erases what has been written
to the memory (in step S359).
[0371] On receiving the UT data, the virtual UT market management
system 212 stores in the memory the received data in association
with the member's posted information (in step S357). Thereafter,
the system notifies the member of completion of the posting (in
step S358) and terminates the routine of seller posting
processing.
[0372] Described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 51 are
steps performed by the virtual UT market management system 212 when
a buyer posts a UT purchase request and trades UT units.
[0373] A check is first made to see if access is attempted
requesting a UT purchase (in step S361). If such access is judged
to be made, the user who attempted access is put to authentication
based on the membership number entered (in step S362). A check is
made to see if access has been attempted by a registered number (in
step S363). If the user is not judged to be a duly registered
member, that user is notified of a rejection of his posting attempt
through the website (in step S374) and the processing routine is
terminated.
[0374] If the user attempting access is judged to be a registered
member, the UT market management system checks to see if the member
has already been posted as a seller (in step S364). If the member
is judged to have been posed as a seller, that member is notified
of a rejection of his posting attempt through the website (in step
S374) and the processing routine is terminated.
[0375] If the member is not judged to be posted as a seller, the
system accepts the member's request to have his status posted as a
buyer, as well as a desired UT buying rate and a UT count to buy
(in step S365). From the desired UT selling rates posted by the
sellers in the memory, the system retrieves the selling rate
closest to the accepted UT buying rate desired and displays the
retrieved rate at the website (in step S366).
[0376] Looking at the displayed UT selling rate, the member as a
buyer enters a buy order when wishing to buy UT units at the
presented rate or inputs a no-buy order when refusing to make a
purchase at that rate. The system checks to see if a buy order is
entered (in step S367). If a buy order is not judged to be made, a
check is made to see if a no-buy order is input (in step S373). If
a no-buy order is not judged to be made, the system goes back to
step S367 and waits for a buy-order to be entered. If a no-buy
order is judged to be made, the processing routine is terminated.
The desired buying rate may be altered by the member who will have
his status posted anew as a buyer.
[0377] If in step S367 a buy order is judged to be made, the system
refers to the database for the buying member's data. The UT market
management system notifies the charge management system of the
member's settlement method retrieved from the database (in step
S368).
[0378] In response, the charge management system reports whether
the member in question is capable of settling the payment. A check
is made based on the report to see if the settlement is possible
(in step S369). If the settlement is not judged possible for some
reason, step S374 is reached in which the member is notified of a
rejection of his posting attempt through the website, and the
processing routine is terminated.
[0379] If in step S369 the settlement is judged possible, the
system transfers the purchased UT data to the buying member (in
step S370). The buying member receives the transferred UT data
through the personal computer and adapter. The remaining UT count
in the memory 832 of the UT Money 80 is incremented by the
purchased UT count.
[0380] The database is also referenced for the selling member's
settlement method. The charge management system is notified of the
member's settlement method retrieved from the database (in step
S371). The buying member is then notified of completion of a deal
through the website (in step S372), and the processing routine is
brought to an end.
[0381] The virtual currency UT is traded as described. If the UT
count posted by a seller is not equal to the UT count desired by a
buyer, a deal may still be concluded provided the seller's posted
UT count is greater than the buyer's desired UT count. A deal may
also be made if a plurality of sellers with the same selling rate
propose a combined UT count greater than a potential buyer's
desired UT count. In that case, the sellers' posted UT holdings may
be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
[0382] The number of UT units traded this month as described above
is used in determining the UT exchange rate for the next month. For
that purpose, the UT market management system reports the traded
monthly UT count to the charge management system every month.
[0383] One advantage of the ninth embodiment is that it employs the
virtual currency UT allowing the unit value of product used time to
be charged in a fluctuating manner. Another advantage is that
virtual currency units may be traded at a desired exchange rate on
a virtual UT market.
[0384] Although the ninth embodiment has been described as causing
the electronic circuit of the UT Money 80 to perform charge
processing about product used time, this is not limitative of the
invention. Alternatively, a charge processing part may be provided
in the electronic apparatus 30, and results of charge processing by
that charge processing part about product used time may be sent to
the UT Money 80.
[0385] Although the foregoing embodiments have been shown adopting
an electronic apparatus as a chargeable product, this is not
limitative of the invention. Alternatively, this invention applies
to any apparatuses that incorporate a suitable charge processing
part.
[0386] As many other apparently different embodiments of this
invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the
appended claims.
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