CN111627161A

CN111627161A - System and method for selectively controlling the supply of energy

Info

Publication number: CN111627161A
Application number: CN202010129168.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 本·杰弗里斯; 拉克兰·哈里斯
Original assignee: Atec Australia International Ltd
Current assignee: Atec Australia International Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2020-09-04

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems (and methods) for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance. The system includes an energy inlet for receiving energy from an energy source and a supply control device. The supply control device includes a switch arrangement in communication with the energy inlet. The switch arrangement is movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance. The provisioning control device also includes an input device, a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes, and a controller configured to receive at least one access code from the input device. The controller is further configured to selectively move the switch arrangement to the first state to allow energy supply from the energy inlet to the appliance for a predetermined period of time upon detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

Description

System and method for selectively controlling the supply of energy

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of supplying energy to customers, and in particular to selectively controlling the supply of gas or liquid based fuel or electricity to drive an appliance associated with a customer.

Background

The energy required to drive devices such as household appliances may come from a variety of sources, including gaseous or liquid fuels or electricity generated and supplied over a network. In many countries, it is problematic to provide energy for the drive equipment, since in the case of electricity, the energy may be provided by a generator, and in the case of gas or liquid based fuels, the energy may be provided by a container. Even with an energy grid or the like, many homes do not have convenient access to the grid.

For example, in the environment of gas-based fuels, gas-based cooking in many countries can be problematic. In some countries, each household is supplied with gas in the form of a separate gas cylinder, while in other countries the individual households are supplied with gas from a centralized location via a gas pipeline through a gas delivery system. Gas cylinder-based gas supplies have several limitations, such as wasted transportation time in transporting the cylinders to various homes, hazards associated with large vehicles handling many such cylinders over long distances, degradation of the cylinders over time, and the like. The duct-based gas supply overcomes many of the above limitations. In developed countries, customers who choose to have a pipeline-based liquid fuel supply may have control of the liquid or gas supply through an account with the liquid fuel supply company.

Similarly, in the context of electricity, powering electrical equipment is problematic in many countries, as in some areas electricity may be provided by generators or solar energy, while in other areas electricity may be delivered to individual homes from a centralized location via an electrical power network, possibly through a power grid or the like. A customer who selects to supply electric power to electric appliances such as a stove, a washing machine, a dryer, etc. can perform control of electric power supply through an account with an electric power company regardless of the supply route of electric power.

As described above, access to such energy is controlled by the energy provider and requires that the customer have access to a bank account, online banking, or other advanced payment means to pay for the energy to be supplied to their home.

A problem with this arrangement is that in developing countries many people lack a personal bank account or convenient way to pay for and access energy to their homes, or may only wish to supply energy to one or more appliances. Furthermore, many customers wishing to use such energy-powered appliances may not be able to afford to purchase the appliance at a single payment of its full price.

Thus, particularly in developing countries, it is more convenient to provide appliances (including but not limited to household appliances) with a periodic payment means that has a control mechanism to force a payment to continuously access the energy supply using the appliance.

The present invention is directed to ameliorating at least some of the problems discussed above.

The reference herein to a patent document or any other matter which is identified as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the system comprising a power inlet for receiving electrical power from a power source; a supply control device comprising: a switch in communication with the power inlet, the switch being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes; and a controller configured to receive the at least one access code from the input device, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch to the first state to allow the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

Preferably, the supply control device may be built into the electrical device.

Preferably, the controller may be further configured to selectively move the switch to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the system comprising: a supply control device comprising: an inlet for receiving liquid or gas from a liquid or gas supply; a solenoid valve in communication with the inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes; and a controller configured to receive the at least one access code from the input device, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to an open state to allow a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the memory module.

Preferably, the controller may be further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to a closed state to deny the supply of liquid or gas from the inlet once a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more electrical devices, the system comprising: a power inlet for receiving power from a power source; a supply control device associated with each of one or more customers associated with one or more electrical devices, comprising: a switch in communication with the power inlet, the switch being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes assigned to the provisioning control device; and a controller configured to receive at least one access code from an input device; wherein, this system still includes: a Payment Receiving Module (PRM) independent of the supply control device and configured to receive payment from one or more customers requiring power supply within a predetermined time period; and a Code Processing Module (CPM) communicatively linked to the PRM and storing, for each of the one or more customers, one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device, the CPM being configured to (a) identify at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM, and (b) provide the identified access code to the one or more customers; wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives, via the input device, at least one access code provided by the CPM, the controller further configured to selectively move the switch to the first state to allow power supply from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

Preferably, the supply control device may be built into each of the one or more electrical devices.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of liquid or gas to one or more customers, the system comprising: a supply control device associated with each of one or more customers, comprising: an inlet for receiving liquid or gas from a liquid or gas supply; a solenoid valve in communication with the inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes assigned to the provisioning control device; and a controller configured to receive at least one access code from an input device; wherein, this system still includes: a Payment Receiving Module (PRM) independent of the supply control device and configured to receive payment from one or more customers requiring a liquid or gas supply within a predetermined time period; and a Code Processing Module (CPM) communicatively linked to the PRM and storing, for each of the one or more customers, one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device, the CPM being configured to (a) identify at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM, and (b) provide the identified access code to the one or more customers; wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives at least one access code provided by the CPM via the input device, the controller further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to an open state to allow a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

Preferably, one or more predetermined codes according to one or more of the above aspects may be associated with one or more different predetermined time periods.

Preferably, a controller according to one or more of the above aspects may provide an output relating to a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

In some instances, the output related to the predetermined period of time may be a periodic alert.

In some instances, the output may be provided via a display module on the provisioning control device.

In one embodiment, the PRM according to the third or fourth aspect may store a customer Identification (ID) of one or more customers upon receiving payment from the one or more customers. The CPM may receive a customer ID from the PRM and identify the access code based on the received customer ID.

In an embodiment, the CPM according to the third or fourth aspect may provide the identified access code to the mobile communication device of one or more patrons.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more customers, the system comprising: one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a switch and a controller, and associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the switch is in communication with the power portal, the switch being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of power from the power portal; a Payment Receipt Module (PRM) configured to generate a confirmation upon receipt of payment from one or more customers; and an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct a controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined time period in response to receiving the generated acknowledgement from the PRM.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of liquid or gas to one or more customers, the system comprising: one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a solenoid valve and a controller, and associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the solenoid valve is in communication with the inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet; a Payment Receipt Module (PRM) configured to generate a confirmation upon receipt of payment from one or more customers; and an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct a controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move a solenoid valve of the supply control device to an open state within a predetermined period of time in response to receiving the generated acknowledgement from the PRM.

Preferably, the AM according to the fifth or sixth aspect may receive from the PRM a customer ID of the one or more customers for which payment is received.

Preferably, the AM according to the fifth or sixth aspect may identify one or more provisioning control devices associated with one or more customers based on the received customer ID, thereby instructing the controller.

Preferably, the supply control device according to any one of the above aspects may be powered by a power source.

Preferably, the controller according to any one of the above aspects may control the supply of electric power to the supply control device based on a predetermined period of time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising: providing a provisioning control device as defined in the first aspect; and providing the at least one access code to the input device to provide the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the memory module.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the method comprising: providing a provisioning control device as defined in the second aspect; and providing the at least one access code to the input device, whereby the supply of liquid or gas from the inlet is provided for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising: providing a supply control device as defined in the third aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers requiring a supply of electrical power to the electrical device via the PRM within a predetermined time period; identifying, via the CPM, at least one access code from one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control devices of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM; providing the identified access code to one or more customers; providing, via the customer, the at least one access code to the input device, thereby providing the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the method comprising: providing a provisioning control device as defined in the fourth aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers requiring a supply of liquid or gas via the PRM within a predetermined period of time; identifying, via the CPM, at least one access code from one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control devices of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM; providing the identified access code to one or more customers; providing, via the customer, the at least one access code to the input device, whereby the supply of liquid or gas from the inlet is provided for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising: providing a provisioning control device as defined in the fifth aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers and generating an acknowledgement upon receipt of the payment via the PRM; providing the generated acknowledgement from the PRM to the AM; and instructing a controller of one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move a switch of the supply control device to a first state within a predetermined time period.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of liquid or gas, the method comprising: providing a supply control device as defined in the sixth aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers and generating an acknowledgement upon receipt of the payment via the PRM; providing the generated acknowledgement from the PRM to the AM; and instructing a controller of one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move a solenoid valve of the supply control device to an open state within a predetermined time period.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the system comprising: an energy inlet for receiving energy from an energy source; a supply control device comprising: a switch arrangement in communication with the energy inlet, the switch arrangement being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes; and a controller configured to receive the at least one access code from the input device, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch arrangement to the first state to allow the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of energy to one or more appliances, the system comprising: an energy inlet for receiving energy from an energy source; a supply control device associated with each of one or more appliances, comprising: a switch arrangement in communication with the energy inlet, the switch arrangement being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance; an input device; a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes assigned to the provisioning control device; and a controller configured to receive at least one access code from an input device; wherein, this system still includes: a Payment Receiving Module (PRM) independent of the supply control device and configured to receive payment from one or more customers requiring an energy supply within a predetermined time period; and a Code Processing Module (CPM) communicatively linked to the PRM and storing, for each of the one or more customers, one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device, the CPM being configured to (a) identify at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM, and (b) provide the identified access code to the one or more customers; wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives, via the input device, at least one access code provided by the CPM, the controller being further configured to selectively move the switch arrangement to the first state to allow energy supply from the energy inlet to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively controlling the supply of energy to one or more customers, the system comprising: one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a switch arrangement and a controller, and being associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the switch arrangement is in communication with the energy inlet, the switch arrangement being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet; a Payment Receipt Module (PRM) configured to generate a confirmation upon receipt of payment from one or more customers; and an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct a controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch arrangement of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined time period in response to receiving the generated acknowledgement from the PRM.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising: providing a supply control device as defined in the thirteenth aspect; and providing the at least one access code to the input device to provide the supply of energy from the energy portal to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising: providing a provisioning control device as defined in the fourteenth aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers requiring an energy supply to an appliance over a predetermined time period via the PRM; identifying, via the CPM, at least one access code from one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control devices of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM; providing the identified access code to one or more customers; and providing, via the customer, the at least one access code to the input device, thereby providing the supply of energy from the energy portal to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising: providing a supply control device as defined in the fifteenth aspect; receiving payment from one or more customers and generating an acknowledgement upon receipt of the payment via the PRM; providing the generated acknowledgement from the PRM to the AM; and instructing a controller of one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch arrangement of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined time period.

It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present invention, the supply control device may control any of a switch, a solenoid valve, or a microcontroller configured as part of the appliance.

Drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the accompanying drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic exterior view of a supply control device for selectively controlling the supply of a gas or liquid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 1A is an external view schematic diagram of a supply control apparatus for selectively controlling supply of electric power according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the supply control apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of internal components of the supply control device shown in FIG. 1A, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of internal components of the supply control device shown in FIG. 1A, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system for selectively controlling the supply of gas according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing processing steps taken by the system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating the processing steps employed by the system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for selectively controlling the supply of gas according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing steps taken by the system of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing the processing steps employed by the system of FIG. 5A.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods of controlling the supply of energy to an appliance. It should be understood that while embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a gas supply (as described with reference to fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) and a power supply (as described with reference to fig. 1A, 2B, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A) to a household appliance, they should not be considered as limited to those particular energy sources and/or appliances.

The present invention may be used in connection with pay-as-you-go payment for appliances such as, but not limited to, electrical appliances and the like, and the supply of energy to those appliances (such as gas stoves) or appliance items (e.g., induction cookers) for domestic purposes, and it will be convenient to describe the invention in connection with this exemplary but non-limiting application. It should be understood that the invention may be applied, for example, to the supply of gas, liquid (e.g. water), fuel or any other type of gaseous substance (such as, but not limited to, biogas or natural gas), or the supply of electricity to any electrical equipment or even to the household itself. Further, it should be understood that reference to "power" throughout this specification refers to the current required to operate an electrical appliance, which may be provided via Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC).

Fig. 1 shows an external view of a supply control device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The supply control device 100 is provided to each customer of a gas or liquid supply company to control the dispensing of gas or liquid, respectively, to the customer. Each customer may be assigned a customer ID and each supply control device 100 may be assigned a device ID. The provisioning control device 100 includes an input device 105 and a display screen 110. The input device 105 may be any one of a keypad, a Quick Response (QR) code scanner, a touch screen, a remote control, and the like. The input device 105 may be configured to receive an access code to enable a customer associated with the supply control device 100 to access gas or liquid supplied by a gas or liquid supply company, respectively. The display screen 110 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display screen. In an alternative embodiment, the display screen 110 may display a predetermined period of time that a customer may use a gas or liquid supply. In another alternative embodiment, a countdown until the end of the predetermined period of time may be displayed on the display screen 110. In a further embodiment, one or more warning messages may be displayed on the display screen 110 indicating that the supply of gas or liquid is about to end. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the provisioning control device 100 may not have the input device 105 or the display screen 110, or both.

The supply control device 100 may be connected to a source of gas or liquid of a gas or liquid supply company, respectively, through a gas or liquid inlet 120. In an alternative embodiment, the gas or liquid inlet 120 may be a 15mm PVC pipe. It should be understood that gas or liquid inlets 120 made of other materials may be used depending on the application. Further, it should be understood that the diameter of the gas or liquid inlet 120 may vary depending on the fuel supplied and/or the application. The supply control device 100 may also be connected to an appliance for cooking, such as a gas stove, or other appliances operating with gas or liquid (such as a rice cooker, electric lamp, water heater, generator) through a hose 130. In an alternative embodiment, the hose 130 may be a 10mm brass hose barb connection. It should be understood that the hose 130 may be made of different materials and/or the size of the hose 130 may vary depending on the application. The gas or liquid supply company may assign a device ID to each supply control device 100 and a customer ID to each customer.

In operation, an access code is entered via the input device 105 of the provisioning control device 100. The access code is linked to a predetermined period of time for supplying gas or liquid to a customer associated with the supply control device 100. In response to entering the access code at the input device 105, a gas or liquid supply from the gas or liquid inlet 120 through the supply control device 100 to the hose 130, respectively, is started within a predetermined time period during which the access code matches one or more predetermined codes (as will be further described with reference to fig. 2).

Fig. 1A is an external view schematic diagram of a supply control apparatus 1000 according to another embodiment. The supply control device 1000 is provided to each customer of an electrical equipment supplier or power supply company to control distribution of power to the electrical equipment 160A of its customer and manage payment of electrical equipment of a seller to which the customer owes its electrical equipment. It should be understood that the supply control device 1000 may be provided as a modification to the electronic device or may in a preferred embodiment form part of the electrical device itself. Each customer may be assigned a customer ID and each supply control device 1000 may be assigned a device ID. In a preferred embodiment where the power supply control apparatus 1000 is built in the electrical apparatus 160A, the apparatus ID may be associated with the electrical apparatus 160A. The provisioning control device 1000 includes an input device 105A and a display screen 110A. The input device 105A may be any one of a keypad, a QR code scanner, a touch screen, a remote control (such as, but not limited to, an infrared remote control), and the like. In some embodiments where the provisioning control device 1000 is GSM enabled, having the input device 105A as a keypad or remote control device will enable the system to activate when the GSM network is not accessible. The input device 105A may be configured to receive an access code to enable a customer associated with the supply control device 1000, or preferably the electrical device 160A in which the supply device control 1000 is built, to access power supplied by a power supply company while paying for the electronic device 160A. The display screen 110A may be an LED display screen. In an alternative embodiment, the display screen 110A may display a predetermined period of time that the customer may use power. In another alternative embodiment, the display screen 110A may display a countdown until the predetermined period of time has expired. In further embodiments, the display screen 110A may display one or more warning messages indicating that the power supply is about to end. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the provisioning control device 1000 may not have the input device 105A or the display screen 110A, or both.

The supply control device 1000 may be connected to a power supply 102A of a power supply company via a power inlet 120A. In an alternative embodiment, power inlet 120A may be a suitably sized cable that meets the power supplied and the requirements of electrical device 160A. It should be understood that the power portal 120A may vary depending on the application. The size of the cable forming the power inlet 120A may be selected according to the current consumption of the electrical device 160A and the voltage, current of the power supplied from the power source 102A to the power inlet 120A.

The supply control device 1000 may further be connected to an electronic device 160A, which electronic device 160A may for example be used for cooking, such as an induction based cooker or other electrical device (e.g. a rice cooker, an electric lamp, a water heater, a generator, a washing machine, a television, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, even a supply to a house) to be powered through the power outlet 130A. In an alternative embodiment, the power outlet 130A may be a suitably sized cable that meets the requirements of the electrical device 160A. The size of the cable forming the power outlet 130A may need to be selected according to the current draw of the electrical device 160A. The power supply company may assign a device ID to each supply control device 1000 and assign a customer ID to each customer. In some embodiments, the device ID and the customer ID may be the same (e.g., if only one electrical device is associated with one customer of the electrical device vendor or power supply company). In a preferred embodiment, the provision control device 1000 forms part of the electrical device 160A, and the device ID may be assigned by the electrical device vendor to the electrical device 160A in which the provision control device 1000 is built.

In operation, an access code is entered via the input device 105A of the provisioning control device 1000. The access code is linked to a predetermined period of time for which power is supplied to a customer associated with the supply control device 1000 to operate the electrical device 160A. In response to entry of the access code at the input device 105A, power supply from the power inlet 120 through the power supply control device 1000 and subsequently through the power outlet 130A to the electrical device 160A is initiated, providing an access code matching one or more predetermined codes for a predetermined period of time (as will be further described with reference to fig. 2A).

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an internal view of the supply control device 100 of fig. 1. Within the supply control device 100, a solenoid valve 205 is provided which is operable between an open state and a closed state to allow or stop, respectively, flow from the gas source to the hose 130 through the gas inlet 120. The supply control device 100 also includes a controller 220 in communication with the solenoid valve 205, and a storage module 210 also in communication with the controller 220. A fuel usage measurement module (not shown) may optionally be connected to the solenoid valve 205 to measure the amount of gas consumed by the appliance over a predetermined period of time. The fuel usage measurement module may take the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a combination of both. Such measurements may be fed back to the controller 220. Such usage measurements may facilitate planning and management by an appliance provider or gas supply company to provide different payment planning options to existing customers or new customers. The storage module 210 is arranged to store a predetermined set of codes assigned to the respective provisioning control device 100. The predetermined code may be a code unique to each supply control device 100 (i.e., a unique set of predetermined codes for each device ID), or the predetermined set of codes may be a code unique to the customer (i.e., a unique set of predetermined codes for each customer ID), or a combination of both. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the code may be provided at the time of manufacture and assembly of each supply control device 100.

A predetermined code may be assigned to each of the provisioning control devices 100 prior to provisioning the provisioning control device 100 and upon the payment arrangement being agreed upon. The code loaded onto the provisioning control apparatus 100 allows for any of a variety of payment arrangements. It should be appreciated that the predetermined code may be pre-encoded into the controller 220 prior to the supply control device 100 being installed at the customer's premises based on a payment arrangement between the customer associated with the supply control device 100 and the gas supply company. But may also be based on any one or more factors such as the frequency of payments agreed upon between the customer and the gas supply company, the amount of gas supply required by the customer, the manner in which the gas is used by the customer (such as using gas only during certain times of the day), etc.

Each predetermined code assigned to a supply control device 100 is unique to that particular supply control device 100 and may also represent a predetermined period of gas supply-that is, the codes may be different, e.g., one code provides a five day supply, another code may provide a thirty day supply, etc.

The controller 220 is configured to operatively open or close the solenoid valve 205. In another embodiment, controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, which is configured to control various operating parameters of electrical device 160A, such as a heat level, on/off button, etc. in the case of a cooking appliance. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the provisioning control device 100 does not include the storage module 210, and the code may be stored on the controller 220 itself (e.g., in the form of firmware, etc.). Advantageously, a customer associated with the supply control device 100 may provide a code to ensure the supply of gas within a predetermined period of time. The code provided by the customer may be obtained in a number of different ways as described with reference to fig. 3 or 4.

In operation, if the code is stored in the controller 220 of the provisioning control device 100 in the form of firmware, the controller 220 determines whether there is a match between the access code entered via the input device 105 and at least one of a predetermined set of codes stored in the storage module 210 or the controller 220 itself. Upon determining a successful match between the entered access code and at least one of the set of predetermined codes, the controller 220 operates the solenoid valve 205 to an open state to allow gas supply from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130 for a predetermined period of time. When the controller 220 determines that the predetermined time period has ended and no further access code is received at the supply control device 100, the controller 220 operates the solenoid valve 205 to a closed state to stop the supply of gas from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130. When the controller 220 does not receive a subsequent access code via the input device 105 of the supply control apparatus 100 at the end of the predetermined period of time, the controller 220 operates a sensor/meter (not shown) connected to the supply control apparatus 100 to ensure that the air pressure does not rise when the solenoid valve 205 is operated by the controller 220 to move to the closed state.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 220 may be operable to generate a warning signal in the form of a beep when the predetermined period of time ends or for a period of time (e.g., a buffer period of time stored in the controller 200) before the predetermined period of time ends. It should be understood that an audio output device, such as a speaker, may be provided with the provisioning control device 100 to enable a customer to hear such a warning signal. In a further alternative embodiment, a warning signal in the form of a message may be sent from the controller 220 to the display screen 110 of the provisioning control device 100 for display to the customer. In a further alternative embodiment, a warning signal in the form of a flashing LED lamp may be sent from the controller 220 to the display screen 110 of the supply control device 100 for display to the customer. The LED lights may be flashed at different intervals to communicate a warning that payment is to be made.

Fig. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an internal view of the supply control device 1000 of fig. 1A. Within the supply control apparatus 1000 is provided a switch 205A that can be switched between a first state and a second state to allow or deny power from the power source 102A through the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A, and thus to the electrical device 160A. In another embodiment, electrical device 160A is configured to include a microcontroller (not shown) configured to control various operating parameters of electrical device 160A, such as a heating level between on-state and off-state in the case of a cooking appliance, an on/off button, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, power supply control device 1000 is built into electrical device 160A. The supply control device 1000 also includes a controller 220A that is in electronic communication with the switch 205A in one embodiment or with a microcontroller in the electronic device 160A in another embodiment, and a memory module 210A that is also in electronic communication with the controller 220A. The storage module 210A is arranged to store a predetermined set of codes assigned to the respective provisioning control device 1000. In some embodiments, the predetermined code set may be associated with electrical device 160A having supply control device 1000 built therein. The predetermined code may be a code unique to each supply control device 1000 (i.e., a predetermined set of codes unique to each device ID), or the predetermined set of codes may be a code unique to a customer (i.e., a predetermined set of codes unique to each customer ID), or a combination of both. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the code may be provided when each supply control device 1000 is manufactured and assembled by an electrical device manufacturer or vendor.

A predetermined code may be assigned to each of the supply control devices 1000 prior to providing the supply control devices 1000 and upon the payment arrangement being agreed upon. It should be understood that payment refers to payment for payment of electrical device 160A and payment for receipt of the power supply of electrical device 160A. The code loaded onto the provisioning control device 1000 allows for any of a variety of payment arrangements. It should be understood that the predetermined code may be pre-encoded into the controller 220A prior to the supply control device 1000 being installed at the customer's premises based on a payment arrangement between the customer associated with the supply control device 1000 and the power supply company or preferred electrical equipment supplier. But may also be based on any one or more factors such as the frequency of payments agreed upon between the customer and the electrical equipment provider or power supply company, the amount of power supply required by the customer, the manner in which the customer uses power (such as using power only at specific times of day), etc.

Each predetermined code assigned to the power supply control device 1000 is unique to a particular power supply control device 1000 and may also represent a predetermined period of power supply-that is, the codes may be different, e.g., one code provides five days of power supply associated with the electronic device 160A, another code provides thirty days of power supply associated with the electronic device 160A, etc. In some embodiments, the predetermined code may additionally represent the type of electrical device 160A associated with the customer.

The controller 220A is configured to operatively open or close the switch 205A (i.e., between the first state and the second state). In another embodiment, controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, which is configured to control various operating parameters of electrical device 160A, such as a heat level, on/off button, etc. in the case of a cooking appliance. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the provisioning control device 1000 does not include the storage module 210A, and the code may be stored on the controller 220A itself (e.g., in the form of firmware, etc.). Advantageously, a customer associated with the power supply control device 1000 (or preferably with the electrical device 160A in which the power supply control device 1000 is built) may provide a code to ensure power supply for a predetermined period of time. The code provided by the customer may be obtained in a number of different ways as described with reference to fig. 3A or 4A.

In operation, if the code is stored in the controller 220A of the provisioning control device 1000 in the form of firmware, the controller 220A determines whether there is a match between the access code entered via the input device 105A and at least one of the predetermined set of codes stored in the storage module 210A or the controller 220A itself. Upon determining a successful match between the entered access code and at least one of the predetermined sets of codes, the controller 220A operates the switch 205A to the first state to allow the supply of power from the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A for a predetermined period of time. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when controller 220A determines that the entered access code matches at least one of the predetermined codes stored in memory module 210A of supply control device 1000 or controller 220A itself, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to enable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electrical device 160A to be operated by the customer within a predetermined period of time. When the controller 220A determines that the predetermined time period has ended and no further access code is received at the power control device 1000, the controller 220A operates the switch 205A to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when controller 220A determines that the predetermined time period has ended and no further access codes are received at supply control device 1000, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to disable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electrical device 160A from being operated by the customer. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the supply control device 1000 may include suitable overload protection in the form of a fuse or the like, which may be installed as part of the internal circuitry of the supply control device 1000. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply control apparatus 1000 may form a part of the electrical device 160A, and appropriate overload protection in the form of a fuse or the like may be installed as an internal circuit of the electrical device 160A to protect the electrical device 160A and the power supply control apparatus 1000 from a surge.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 220A may be operable to generate a warning signal in the form of a beep when the predetermined period of time ends or for a period of time (e.g., a buffer period of time stored in the controller 220A) before the predetermined period of time ends. It should be understood that an audio output device, such as a speaker, may be provided with the provisioning control device 1000 to enable a customer to hear such a warning signal. In a further alternative embodiment, a warning signal in the form of a message may be sent from the controller 220A to the display screen 110A of the supply control device 1000 for display to the customer. In a further alternative embodiment, a warning signal in the form of a flashing LED light may be sent from the controller 220A to the display screen 110A of the supply control device 1000 for display to the customer. The LED lights may be flashed at different intervals to communicate a warning that payment is to be made.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of internal components of the supply control device shown in FIG. 1A, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The internal components of the supply control device 1000 (including but not limited to the display screen 110A and the controller 220A) require power to operate at any time, even when the supply control device 1000 is disconnected from the power inlet 120A or when the power source 102A is down. Thus, the supply control device 1000 is provided with an internal battery (not shown) to keep the supply control device 1000, and in particular the internal components of the supply control device 1000 (including but not limited to the display screen 110A and the controller 220A) operational when no power supply is received from the power source 102A via the power inlet 102A. The internal battery may be connected to a charger that is powered by the power source 102A while the device is connected to the power inlet 120A. In one embodiment, the controller 220A is configured with mobile connectivity features (e.g., GSM enabled) to allow the controller 220A to send information to an electrical equipment vendor or power supply company. Power usage measurement module 230A is connected to switch 205A in one embodiment and to the microcontroller in another embodiment to measure the amount of power consumed by electrical device 160A over a predetermined period of time. Such measurements may be fed back to the controller 220A, which the controller 220A then sends to the electrical equipment supplier or power supply company to allow the company to monitor the electricity usage of the customer over a predetermined period of time. Such usage measurements may facilitate planning and management of electrical equipment suppliers or power supply companies to provide different payment planning options to existing customers or new customers. In one embodiment, an internal voltmeter (not shown) or the like may be provided in the supply control device 1000 to continuously measure the battery level of the internal battery (not shown), and the measured battery level may be transmitted by the controller 220A to the electrical device supplier or the power supply company via the GSM connection.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the system of the present invention, according to yet another embodiment. There is shown a gas supply system 300 for selectively controlling the supply of gas from a gas supply company to one or more supply control devices 100,each supply control device 100 is associated with a customer of the gas supply company. The system 300 includes a Payment Receiving Module (PRM)310, a Code Processing Module (CPM)320, a mobile communication device 330 associated with a customer and one or more provisioning control devices 100, each provisioning control device 100 associated with a customer, and one or more provisioning control devices 100. In an alternative embodiment, the system 300 may have a customer resource management module (not shown) communicatively linked to the CPM320 to manage customer credit. For ease of reference, only one mobile communication device 330 and provisioning control device 100 are shown. The customer may pay the gas supply company via PRM 310. The module may be a mobile monetary entity (e.g., WING) that subsequently communicates with CPM320^TMEtc.). CPM320 may be a payment management platform, such as Angaza^TMAnd the like. The CPM320 may generate a code-based payment that is in effect and may send a Short Message Service (SMS) to the customer with the correct code to be entered into the provisioning control device 100.

The PRM310 may be a server associated with, for example, a mobile money application or an e-wallet service installed on the customer's mobile communication device 330. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310 may take the form of a payment kiosk associated with the gas supply company, with a payment application installed on PRM 310. The PRM310 may have a separate customer account for each customer of the gas supply company or a single account of the gas supply company that identifies the paying customer based on the customer ID. The CPM320 maintains a list of predetermined code sets assigned to the supply control apparatus 100 of each customer of the gas supply company. Each of the predetermined set of codes assigned to the supply control apparatus 100 of the customer may be associated with a payment amount and a predetermined period of time for which the customer requires the gas supply, as part of a payment agreement between the customer and the gas supply company, or as part of a new contract made between the parties, prior to installation of the supply control apparatus 100 at the customer's premises. It will be appreciated that each customer may be offered a plurality of payment amount options to choose from each time the customer requires a supply of gas, thereby providing a predetermined code set for each option. CPM320 is communicatively linked to PRM 310. It should be appreciated that CPM320 and PRM310 may be linked in many ways, one of which may be via an Application Program Interface (API) or the like.

In operation, a customer makes payment to PRM310 via a mobile money application or electronic wallet installed on mobile communication device 330 associated with the customer, or directly via a payment application (e.g., kiosk) installed on PRM 310. Upon receiving payment from the customer, the PRM310 records the customer's payment amount and the customer ID. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310 generates a payment code that includes the payment amount of the customer and the customer ID. The PRM310 then transmits a receipt of the payment, and the recorded payment amount and customer ID of the customer, to the CPM 320. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310 sends a payment code to CPM 320. In a further alternative embodiment, CPM320 may access information recorded on PRM310 at any time. In yet a further alternative embodiment, automatic updates may be set between PRM310 and CPM320 at a predetermined frequency (every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc., depending on the amount of transactions at PRM 310). The CPM320 then identifies the customer's access code from a set of predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device 100 associated with the customer based on the customer ID and the payment amount.

The CPM320 is configured to store a predetermined code set assigned to each supply control apparatus 100 associated with each customer of the gas supply company, which is the same as the predetermined code set stored in the storage module 210 of the supply control apparatus 100 installed in the house of the customer (associated with the supply control apparatus 100) before the start of the operation.

In an alternative embodiment, the CPM320 may identify the access code from a lookup table that stores the customer ID and a predetermined set of codes assigned to the supply control device 100 associated with the customer ID and the payment amount. The access code indicates a predetermined time period of gas supply for a customer payment amount. CPM320 then provides the identified access code to the customer.

It should be understood that the identified access code may be provided to the customer in different manners, such as a message to the customer's mobile communication device 330, a message displayed on the display screen of PRM310 when PRM310 is in the form of a kiosk, a message to the customer in the form of an email, and so forth. When a customer inputs a received access code to the supply control device 100 through the input device 105, the controller 220 operates the solenoid valve 205 to an open state to allow the supply of gas from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130 when the controller 220 determines that the input access code matches at least one of the predetermined codes stored in the supply module 210 of the supply control device 100 or in the controller 220 itself. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 220 moves the solenoid valve 205 to a closed state to stop the supply of gas from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130. A customer resource management module (not shown) of the system 300 marks the customer (based on the customer ID) upon receiving notification from the CPM320 that the customer has not made subsequent payment to the PRM310 to maintain the gas supply before the predetermined time period has expired. In an alternative embodiment, the CPM320 may be marked directly when a receipt for a subsequent payment from the customer is not received from the PRM310 before the end of the predetermined time period. When no subsequent payment is received from the customer at the PRM310 before the end of the predetermined time period, the controller 220 operates a sensor/meter (not shown) connected to the supply control device 100 to ensure that the air pressure does not rise when the controller 220 operates the solenoid valve 205 to move it to the closed state. A desulfurizer (not shown) may also be provided. When the access code is not received via the input device 105 of the supply control apparatus 100, the controller 220 operates to close the valve, and tampering with any solenoid valve 205 that allows gas to continue to be supplied beyond a predetermined period of time may be avoided in the event that the customer associated with the supply control apparatus 100 is not paying.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating the system of the present invention according to another embodiment. A system 300A for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more power supply control devices 1000 is shown, each power supply control device 1000 being associated with a customer of an electrical equipment supplier or power supply company. The system 300A includes a Payment Receiving Module (PRM)310A, a Code Processing Module (CPM)320A, a mobile communication device 330A associated with a customer, and one or more provisioning control devices 1000, each provisioning control device 1000 associated with a customer. In an alternative embodiment, the system 300A may have customer resource managementA management module (not shown) communicatively linked to the CPM320A to manage customer credit. For ease of reference, only one mobile communication device 330A and provisioning control device 1000 are shown. The customer may pay the power company via PRM 310A. The module may be a mobile monetary entity (e.g., WING) that subsequently communicates with CPM320A^TMEtc.). CPM320A may be a payment management platform, such as Angaza^TMAnd the like. The CPM320A may generate a code-based payment in effect and may send an SMS to the customer with the correct code to be entered into the provisioning control device 1000.

The PRM310A may be a server associated with, for example, a mobile money application or an e-wallet service installed on the customer's mobile communication device 330A. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310A may take the form of a payment kiosk associated with a mobile currency provider or power supply company, with a payment application installed on PRM 310A. PRM310A may have a separate customer account for each customer of the electrical equipment provider or power supply company or a single account of the electrical equipment provider or power supply company that identifies the paying customer based on the customer ID. The CPM320A maintains a list of predetermined code sets assigned to the power supply control apparatus 1000 of each customer of the electrical equipment provider or the power supply company. Each of the predetermined code sets assigned to the supply control apparatus 1000 of the customer may be associated with a payment amount and a predetermined period of time for which the customer requires the supply of electric power, as part of a payment agreement between the customer and the electric equipment provider and/or the power supply company, or as part of a new contract made between both parties, before the power supply control apparatus 1000 is installed at the customer's premises. It should be understood that each customer may be offered multiple payment amount options to choose from each time the customer requires a supply of electricity, thereby providing a predetermined code set for each option. CPM320A is communicatively linked to PRM 310A. It should be appreciated that CPM320A and PRM310A may be linked in a number of ways, one of which may be via an Application Program Interface (API), or the like.

In operation, a customer pays PRM310A via a mobile money application or e-wallet installed on a mobile communication device 330A associated with the customer, or directly via a payment application (e.g., kiosk) installed on PRM 310A. Upon receiving payment from the customer, PRM310A records the customer's payment amount and the customer ID. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310A generates a payment code that includes the payment amount of the customer and the customer ID. PRM310A then transmits a receipt of the payment, along with the recorded payment amount and customer ID of the customer, to CPM 320A. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310A sends the payment code to CPM 320A. In a further alternative, CPM320A may access the recorded information on PRM310A at any time. In yet another alternative, automatic updates may be set between PRM310A and CPM320A at a predetermined frequency (every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc., depending on the amount of transactions at PRM 310A). The CPM320A then identifies the customer's access code from a set of predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device 1000 associated with the customer based on the customer ID and the payment amount.

The CPM320A is configured to store a predetermined code set assigned to each supply control apparatus 1000 associated with each customer of the electrical equipment supplier or the power supply company, which is the same as the predetermined code set installed in the storage module 210A of the supply control apparatus 1000 of the house of the customer (associated with the supply control apparatus 1000) before the start of the operation.

In an alternative embodiment, the CPM320A may identify the access code from a lookup table that stores the customer ID and a predetermined set of codes assigned to the supply control device 1000 associated with the customer ID and the payment amount. The access code indicates a predetermined period of time of the power supply for the customer's payment amount. CPM320A then provides the identified access code to the customer.

It should be appreciated that the identified access code may be provided to the customer in different manners, such as a message to the customer's mobile communication device 330A, a message displayed on the display screen of PRM310A when PRM310A is in the form of a kiosk, a message to the customer in the form of an email, and so forth. When the customer inputs the received access code to the supply control device 1000 through the input device 105A, the controller 220A operates the switch 205A to the first state to allow the supply of power from the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A for a predetermined period of time when the controller 220A determines that the input access code matches at least one of the predetermined codes stored in the storage module 210A of the supply control device 1000 or the controller 220A itself. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when controller 220A determines that the entered access code matches at least one of the predetermined codes stored in memory module 210A of supply control device 1000 or controller 220A itself, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to enable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of air device 160A to be operated by the customer within a predetermined period of time. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 220A moves the switch 205A to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when controller 220A determines that the predetermined time period has ended and no further access codes are received at supply control device 1000, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to disable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electrical device 160A from being operated by the customer. The customer resource management module (not shown) of the system 300A marks the customer (based on the customer ID) upon receiving notification from the CPM320A that the customer has not subsequently paid for the PRM310A to maintain the power supply before the predetermined time period has expired. In an alternative embodiment, the CPM320A may be directly flagged when receipt of a subsequent payment from the customer is not received from the PRM310A before the predetermined time period ends. Since the controller 220A operates the switch 205A in one embodiment or the microcontroller in another embodiment to move to the second state when the access code is not received via the input device 105A of the supply control apparatus 1000, tampering with any switch 205A or microprocessor that allows continued supply of power beyond the predetermined time period can be avoided in the event that the customer associated with the supply control apparatus 1000 does not pay.

Fig. 4 shows a method 400 for selectively controlling the supply of gas to a supply control device 100 associated with a customer according to yet another embodiment. CPM320 is notified of the payment of the customer to PRM310, and in response CPM320 identifies an access code for the customer so that gas supply can be performed by supply control apparatus 100 for a predetermined period of time corresponding to the payment amount. The steps of method 400 will be discussed in the following paragraphs in conjunction with the elements of system 300.

In step 405, a customer associated with a particular supply control device 100 makes a payment via the Payment Receiving Module (PRM)310 to receive a supply of gas for a payment amount corresponding to a predetermined time period. As discussed in fig. 3, payment may be made to the customer's individual customer account, or payment and customer ID may be made together to the gas supply company's account. If payment is made to an individual customer account, PRM310 identifies the customer ID from the customer account of the individual customer account. The payment may be a one-time payment or an installment as part of a payment arrangement established between the customer and the gas supply company. In an alternative embodiment, the payment arrangements for each customer are stored in the CPM 320. The method 400 then proceeds to optional step 407 or directly to step 410.

At optional step 407, a check is made at PRM310 to determine if payment for the customer has been received at PRM 310. If it is determined at step 407 that payment has been received at PRM310, the method proceeds to step 410. Otherwise, the method 400 ends.

In step 410, upon successfully receiving payment from the customer within a predetermined period of time, CPM320, communicatively linked to PRM310, receives a notification from PRM310 that payment was received at PRM 310. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310 generates a payment code that includes the customer's payment amount and the customer ID, and then sends it to CPM 320. The CPM320 is configured to store a predetermined code set assigned to each supply control apparatus 100 associated with each customer of the gas supply company, which is the same as the predetermined code set stored in the storage module 210 of the supply control apparatus 100 installed in the house of the customer (associated with the supply control apparatus 100) before the start of the first operation. In response to receiving notification of receipt of payment from PRM310, CPM320 identifies the customer's access code from a predetermined set of codes assigned to supply control device 100 associated with the customer based on the customer ID. In an alternative embodiment, CPM320 identifies the customer's access code based on the customer ID and the payment amount. The CPM320 stores an association between the customer ID and the device ID of the associated provisioning control device 100.

The method 400 then proceeds to step 415, where the CPM320 provides the identified access code to the customer. As previously discussed, the identified access code may be provided to the customer in one of various forms. In an alternative embodiment, the identified access code may be provided to the customer in the form of a message (text, voice) from the CPM320 to the customer's mobile communication device 330.

The method 400 then proceeds to step 420, where the controller 220 of the provisioning control device 100 receives the access code provided by the CPM320 via the input device 105. In an alternative embodiment, the customer may enter an access code provided by the CPM320 to the customer's mobile communication device 330 into the input device 105 (e.g., keypad).

The method 400 then proceeds to step 425, wherein the controller 220 of the supply control device 100 selectively opens the solenoid valve 205 for a predetermined period of time when the controller determines that the access code received at the supply control device 100 matches at least one of the predetermined set of codes assigned to the supply control device 100 associated with the customer. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined period of time for which the gas is supplied to the customer may be displayed on the display screen 110 of the supply control device 100. In another alternative embodiment, the predetermined time period remaining until the next payment may be displayed in a countdown format on the display screen 110 of the provisioning control device 100. The method 400 then ends.

When the controller 220 determines that the predetermined period of time has ended and no further access code is received at the supply control device 100 by the end of the predetermined period of time, the controller 220 operates the solenoid valve 205 to a closed state to stop the supply of gas from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130. In an alternative embodiment, a buffer period may be set for the customer before the end of the predetermined time period as part of the payment schedule to generate a warning message to the customer regarding the imminent payment to continue supplying gas. Payment arrangements between the customer and the gas supply company may be stored on the CPM 320. It should be appreciated that the buffering period may be customized based on a number of factors, such as the customer's payment history (recorded in the PRM310 or CPM), the requested previously scheduled gas supply period, company promotions, specific agreements with each customer, or specific times of the year. In an alternative embodiment, the warning message may be sent from the CPM320 to the customer's mobile communication device 330 via, for example, an SMS message. In another alternative embodiment, the warning message may be sent as an email from the CPM320 to the customer's registered email address, with the registered email ID stored in the CPM 320. If there is no further payment at the PRM310 before the end of the predetermined time period, and no subsequent notification of receipt of payment is received from the PRM310 at the CPM320, the customer ID and/or device ID of the provisioning control device 100 may be flagged at the CPM320 to alter any one or more of the payment schedule with the customer, and the buffering period. In another alternative embodiment, a subsequent failure to extend the payment period beyond the policies of the gas supply company may result in the supply control device 100 being permanently disconnected from the gas inlet 120. In another alternative embodiment, if the customer pays before the predetermined time period ends, an incentive may be provided at the next payment. In yet another alternative embodiment, a broadcast message may be set to be sent by the CPM320 to one or more mobile communication devices 330 associated with patrons whose predetermined time periods end on the same day or within the same time period (e.g., within the same week, etc.).

Fig. 4A illustrates a method 400A for selectively controlling the supply of power to a supply control device 1000 associated with a customer, according to another embodiment. The CPM320A is notified of the payment of the customer to the PRM310A, and in response, the CPM320A identifies an access code for the customer so that the power supply by the supply control apparatus 1000 can be performed within a predetermined period of time corresponding to the payment amount. The steps of method 400A will be discussed in conjunction with the elements of system 300A in the following paragraphs.

At step 405A, a customer associated with a particular supply control device 1000 makes a payment via a Payment Receiving Module (PRM)310A to receive a supply of power for a payment amount corresponding to a predetermined time period. As discussed in fig. 3A, payment may be made to the customer's individual account, or payment and customer ID may be made together to the electrical equipment provider's or power company's account. If payment is made to an individual customer account, PRM310A identifies the customer ID from the customer account of the individual customer account. The payment may be a one-time payment or an installment as part of a payment arrangement established between the customer and the electrical equipment provider and/or the power supply company. In an alternative embodiment, the payment arrangements for each customer are stored in CPM 320A. The method 400A then proceeds to optional step 407A or directly to step 410A.

At optional step 407A, a check is made at PRM310A to determine if payment for the customer has been received at PRM 310A. If, at step 407A, it is determined that payment has been received at PRM310A, the method proceeds to step 410A. Otherwise, the method 400A ends.

In step 410A, upon successfully receiving payment from the customer within a predetermined period of time, CPM320A, communicatively linked to PRM310A, receives notification from PRM310A that payment was received at PRM 310A. In an alternative embodiment, PRM310A generates a payment code that includes the customer's payment amount and the customer ID, and then sends it to CPM 320A. The CPM320A is configured to store a predetermined set of codes assigned to each supply control device 1000 associated with each customer of an electrical equipment supplier or power supply company that is the same as the predetermined set of codes stored in the storage module 210A of the control device 1000 installed at the premises of the customer (associated with the supply control device 1000) before the first start of operation. In response to receiving notification of receipt of payment from PRM310A, CPM320A identifies the customer's access code from a predetermined set of codes assigned to supply control device 1000 associated with the customer based on the customer ID. In an alternative embodiment, CPM320A identifies the customer's access code based on the customer ID and the payment amount. The CPM320A stores an association between a customer ID and a device ID of the associated provisioning control device 1000.

The method 400A then proceeds to step 415A, where the CPM320A provides the identified access code to the customer. As previously discussed, the identified access code may be provided to the customer in one of various forms. In an alternative embodiment, the identified access code may be provided to the customer in the form of a message (text, voice) from the CPM320A to the customer's mobile communication device 330A.

The method 400A then proceeds to step 420A, where the controller 220A of the provisioning control device 1000 receives the access code provided by the CPM320A via the input device 105A. In an alternative embodiment, the customer may enter an access code provided by the CPM320A to the customer's mobile communication device 330A into the input device 105A (e.g., keypad).

The method 400A then proceeds to step 425A, where the controller 220A of the supply control device 1000 selectively moves the switch 205A to the first state within a predetermined time period when the controller determines that the access code received at the supply control device 1000 matches at least one of the predetermined set of codes assigned to the supply control device 1000 associated with the customer. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when the controller determines that the access code received at supply control device 1000 matches at least one of the predetermined set of codes assigned to supply control device 1000 associated with the customer, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to enable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters to be operated by the customer within a predetermined period of time. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined period of time for which power is supplied to the customer may be displayed on the display screen 110A of the supply control device 1000. In another alternative embodiment, the predetermined time remaining until the next payment may be displayed in a countdown format on the display screen 110A of the provisioning control device 1000. The method 400A then ends.

When the controller 220A determines that the predetermined period of time has ended and no further access codes are received at the supply control device 1000 by the end of the predetermined period of time, the controller 220A operates the switch 205A to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet 120A to the power outlet 130A. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, when controller 220A determines that the predetermined time period has ended and no further access codes are received at supply control device 1000, controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to disable the buttons for adjusting the various operating parameters of electrical device 160A from being operated by the customer. In an alternative embodiment, a buffer period may be set for the customer before the end of the predetermined time period as part of the payment schedule to generate a warning message to the customer regarding the imminent payment to continue supplying power. Payment arrangements between customers and electrical equipment suppliers and/or power supply companies may be stored on CPM 320A. It should be appreciated that the buffering period may be customized based on a number of factors, such as the customer's payment history (recorded in PRM310A or CPM 320A), the requested previously scheduled power supply time period, company promotions, specific agreements with each customer, or specific times of the year. In an alternative embodiment, the warning message may be sent from the CPM320A to the customer's mobile communication device 330A via, for example, an SMS message. In a further alternative embodiment, the warning message may be sent as an email from CPM320A to the customer's registration email address, with the registration email ID stored in CPM 320A. If no further payment is made at PRM310A before the end of the predetermined time period, and no subsequent notification of receipt of payment is received at CPM320A from PRM310A, the customer ID and/or device ID of the provisioning control device 1000 may be flagged at CPM320A to alter any one or more of the payment schedule with the customer, and the buffering period. In another alternative embodiment, a subsequent failure to extend the payment period beyond the policies of the electrical equipment provider and/or the power supply company may result in the power supply control device 1000 being permanently disconnected from the power portal 120A. In another alternative embodiment, if the customer pays before the predetermined time period ends, an incentive may be provided at the next payment. In yet another alternative embodiment, a broadcast message may be set to be sent by the CPM320A to one or more mobile communication devices 330A associated with customers whose predetermined time periods end on the same day or within the same time period (e.g., within the same week, etc.).

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the system of the present invention according to a further embodiment. A system 500 for selectively controlling the supply of gas from a gas supply company to one or more supply control devices 100 from a gas supply source is shown, wherein each supply control device 100 is associated with a customer of the gas supply company. The system 500 includes a Payment Receiving Module (PRM)510, an Authentication Module (AM)520, and one or more provisioning control devices 100 connected to a communication network 530 through a communication link 540. It should be appreciated that any of a variety of communication methods may be used by the communication link 540, such as a mobile network or the like. In the alternative, PRM510 and AM520 may be components of a single payment authentication device 550 associated with the gas supply company.

The AM520 stores a list of customer IDs of customers of the gas supply company. The AM520 may further store a list of device IDs for the provisioning control device 100 associated with each customer.

In operation, a customer pays PRM510 to receive a supply of gas for a predetermined period of time. Upon receiving payment from the customer, the PRM510 records the customer's payment amount and the customer ID. PRM510 then communicates confirmation of receipt of the payment and the recorded payment amount and customer ID of the customer to AM520 via communication link 560. In an alternative embodiment, communication link 560 between PRM510 and AM520 may be an Application Program Interface (API) or the like. In an alternative embodiment, AM520 may access information recorded on PRM510 at any time. In a further alternative embodiment, automatic updates may be set between PRM510 and AM520 at a predetermined frequency (every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc., depending on the number and/or frequency of transactions made by the customer at PRM 510). Then, the AM520 sends an instruction to the controller 220 of the supply control apparatus 100 associated with the customer having the customer ID in real time via the communication network 530 and the communication link 540 (such as a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network or the like) to operate the solenoid valve 205 of the supply control apparatus 100 to an open state to allow gas supply from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130 within a predetermined period of time. When the predetermined time period has elapsed and no notification of receipt of a subsequent payment is received from the PRM510, the AM520 sends instructions to the controller 220 in real time to move the solenoid valve 205 to the closed state to stop the supply of gas from the gas inlet 120 to the hose 130, and in addition, operates a sensor/meter (not shown) connected to the supply control device 100 to ensure that the gas pressure does not rise when the solenoid valve 205 is operated by the controller 220 to move to the closed state.

If the solenoid valve 205 is faulty or tampered with and continues gas supply for more than a predetermined period of time without payment from a customer associated with the supply control apparatus 100, the AM520 receives a notification from the controller 220 of the supply control apparatus 100 in real time over the communication link 540 based on detecting pressure from the sensor/pressure gauge or from a fuel usage measurement module (not shown). In response, the AM520 sends instructions to the controller 220 in real-time to shut down the gas supply (not shown) to the supply control device 100 immediately or within a predetermined time period, and the customer may be additionally tagged (using the customer ID and/or device ID) to the AM 520.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating the system of the present invention according to yet another embodiment. A system 500A for selectively controlling the supply of power from a power supply 102A by a power supply company to one or more supply control devices 1000 is shown, where each supply control device 1000 is associated with an electrical equipment supplier or a customer of the power supply company. The system 500A includes a Payment Receiving Module (PRM)510A, an Authentication Module (AM)520A, and one or more provisioning control devices 1000 connected to a communication network 530A via a communication link 540A. It should be appreciated that any of a variety of communication methods may be used by the communication link 540A, such as a mobile network. In the alternative, PRM510A and AM520A may be components of a single payment authentication device 550A associated with an electrical equipment vendor or power supply company.

The AM520A stores a list of customer IDs of customers of the electrical equipment suppliers and/or the power supply companies. The AM520A may further store a list of device IDs for the provisioning control device 1000 associated with each customer.

In operation, a customer pays PRM510A to receive a supply of power for a predetermined period of time. Upon receiving payment from the customer, PRM510A records the customer's payment amount and the customer ID. PRM510A then communicates confirmation of receipt of the payment and the recorded payment amount and customer ID of the customer to AM520A via communication link 560A. In an alternative embodiment, communication link 560A between PRM510A and AM520A may be an Application Program Interface (API) or the like. In an alternative embodiment, AM520A may access information recorded on PRM510A at any time. In a further alternative embodiment, automatic updates may be set between PRM510A and AM520A at a predetermined frequency (every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc., depending on the number and/or frequency of transactions made by the customer at PRM 510A). Then, the AM520A sends an instruction in real time via the communication network 530A and the communication link 540A (such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, etc.) to the controller 220A of the supply control device 1000 associated with the customer having the customer ID to operate the switch 205A of the supply control device 1000 to the first state to allow the supply of power from the power portal 120A to the power outlet 130A for a predetermined period of time. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, instructions from AM520A are sent in real-time to controller 220A of supply control device 1000 associated with a customer having a customer ID, and controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to cause buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electronic device 160A to be operated by the customer within a predetermined period of time. When the predetermined time period has elapsed and no notification of receipt of a subsequent payment is received from PRM510A, AM520A sends an instruction to controller 220A in real-time to move switch 205A in one embodiment or the microcontroller in another embodiment to the second state to deny the supply of power from power inlet 120A to power receptacle 130A. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, AM520A sends instructions to controller 220A in real-time to communicate with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to disable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electrical device 160A from being operated by a user.

If the switch 205A in one embodiment or the microcontroller in another embodiment fails or is tampered with and power supply continues for more than a predetermined period of time without payment by a customer associated with the supply control device 1000, the AM520A receives a notification in real time from the controller 220A of the supply control device 1000 over the communication link 540A based on the measurement from the power usage measurement module 230A, and the AM520A sends an instruction in real time to the controller 220A to shut off power supply (not shown) to the supply control device 1000 immediately or for a predefined period of time, and may additionally tag the customer (using customer ID and/or device ID) to the AM 520A.

Fig. 6 illustrates a method 600 of selectively controlling the supply of gas in connection with another embodiment of the present disclosure, and will be described in detail in the following paragraphs with reference to elements of the system 500.

In step 605, a customer of the gas supply company makes a payment via the PRM510 to receive a supply of gas for a predetermined period of time. As discussed with reference to fig. 4, the payment may be one-time or installment.

Method 600 then proceeds to step 610, where upon successful receipt of payment by PRM510, PRM510 generates and sends an acknowledgement message/signal to AM520 via communication link 560. The determination message/signal may include one or both of a customer ID of the customer and a device ID of the provisioning control device 100 associated with the customer.

Method 600 then proceeds to step 615, where AM520 receives the acknowledgement message/signal sent by PRM 510. In response to receiving the confirmation message/signal, the AM520 sends an instruction to the controller 220 of the associated supply control apparatus 100 via the communication network 530 and the communication link 540 to open the solenoid valve 205 of the associated supply control apparatus 100 to allow the supply of gas to the customer within the predetermined time period based on the customer ID of the customer or the apparatus ID of the supply control apparatus 100 associated with the customer. It should be understood that the predetermined time period may be related to the amount of money the customer paid to PRM 510. The method 600 then ends.

The CPM320 (according to one embodiment) or AM520 (according to another embodiment) may be set to provide monthly payment reminders and/or phone calls to the customer's mobile communication device 330 associated with the provisioning control device 100 for a predetermined duration (first three months, first six months, etc.) or a predetermined number of times (three times, five times, etc.) when the provisioning control device 100 is first installed at the customer's premises.

The power control apparatus 100 may be powered using a solar panel or an AC power source. In one embodiment, the CPM320 (in one embodiment) or AM520 (in another embodiment) may instruct the controller 220 to shut down the supply of gas to the associated supply control device 100 in real time when the customer fails to pay before the end of the predetermined time period. The supply control device 100 may additionally have LEDs mounted to the body of the device 100 to provide illumination to the customer.

Fig. 6A illustrates a method 600A of selectively controlling the supply of electrical power in relation to further embodiments of the present disclosure, and will be described in detail in the following paragraphs with reference to elements of the system 500A.

In step 605A, a customer of the electrical equipment provider or power supply company makes payment via PRM510A to receive a supply of electrical power for operating electrical equipment 160A for a predetermined period of time. As discussed with reference to fig. 4A, payment for the power supply may be disposable or episodic.

Method 600A then proceeds to step 610A, where PRM510A generates and sends an acknowledgement message/signal to AM520A via communication link 560A upon PRM510A successfully receiving payment. The confirmation message/signal may include one or both of a customer ID of the customer and a device ID of the provisioning control device 1000 associated with the customer.

Method 600 then proceeds to step 615A, where AM520A receives the acknowledgement message/signal sent by PRM 510A. In response to receiving the confirmation message/signal, the AM520A sends an instruction to the controller 220A of the associated supply control device 1000 via the communication network 530A and the communication link 540A to move the switch 205A of the associated supply control device 1000 to the first state to allow the supply of power to the customer for a predetermined period of time based on the customer ID of the customer or the device ID of the supply control device 1000 associated with the customer. In an alternative embodiment where controller 220A is configured to communicate with a microcontroller (not shown) in electrical device 160A, AM520A sends instructions to controller 220A associated with supply control device 1000 via communication network 530A and communication link 540A based on the customer ID of the customer or the device ID of supply control device 1000 associated with the customer, and controller 220A communicates with the microcontroller of electrical device 160A to enable buttons or the like for adjusting various operating parameters of electrical device 160A to be operated by the user for a predetermined period of time. It should be appreciated that the predetermined time period may be related to the amount of the customer paying the PRM 510A. The method 600A then ends.

When the provisioning control device 1000 is first installed at a customer's premises, the CPM320A (according to one embodiment) or AM520A (according to another embodiment) may be set to provide monthly payment reminders and/or phone calls to the customer's mobile communication device 330A associated with the provisioning control device 1000 for a predefined duration (first three months, first six months, etc.) or a predefined number (three times, five times, etc.).

The power control apparatus 1000 may be powered using a solar panel or an AC or DC power supply 102A. In one embodiment, the CPM320A (in one embodiment) or AM520A (in another embodiment) may instruct the controller 220A to shut down the supply of power from the power source 102A to the associated supply control device 1000 in real time when the customer fails to pay before the end of the predetermined time period.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are possible in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention.

This application may be used as a basis or priority for one or more future applications, and the claims of any such future application may be directed to any one feature or combination of features described in this application. Any such future application may include one or more of the following claims, which are given by way of example and are non-limiting with respect to the rights claimed in any future application.

Claims

1. A system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the system comprising:

a power inlet for receiving power from a power source;

a supply control device comprising:

a switch in communication with the power inlet, the switch being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device;

an input device;

a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes; and

a controller configured to receive at least one access code from the input device,

wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch to the first state to allow supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

2. A system for selectively controlling a supply of a liquid or gas, the system comprising:

a supply control device comprising:

an inlet for receiving liquid or gas from a liquid or gas supply;

a solenoid valve in communication with the inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet;

an input device;

a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes;

wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to the open state to allow a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the provisioning control device is built into the electrical device.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to the closed state to deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

6. A system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more electrical devices, the system comprising:

a power inlet for receiving power from a power source;

a supply control device associated with each of one or more customers associated with the one or more electrical devices and comprising:

an input device;

a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes assigned to the provisioning control device; and

a controller configured to receive at least one access code from the input device;

wherein the system further comprises:

a payment receiving module PRM, independent of the supply control device, and configured to receive payment from the one or more customers requiring the supply of electric power within a predetermined period of time; and

a code processing module CPM communicatively linked to the PRM and storing, for each of the one or more customers, the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device, the CPM being configured to (a) identify at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control device of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM, and (b) provide the identified access code to the one or more customers;

wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives the at least one access code provided by the CPM via the input device, the controller being further configured to selectively move the switch to the first state to allow power supply from the power inlet to the electrical device within the predetermined time period in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

7. A system for selectively controlling the supply of liquid or gas to one or more customers, the system comprising:

a supply control device associated with each of the one or more customers, comprising:

an inlet for receiving liquid or gas from a liquid or gas supply;

a solenoid valve in communication with the inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny the supply of liquid or gas from the inlet;

an input device;

wherein the system further comprises:

a payment receiving module PRM, independent of the supply control device, configured to receive payment from one or more customers requiring a liquid or gas supply within a predetermined period of time; and

wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives the at least one access code provided by the CPM via the input device, the controller being further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to an open state to allow a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet within the predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

8. The system of claim 1, 2, 6 or 7, wherein the one or more predetermined codes are associated with one or more different predetermined time periods.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the provisioning control device is built into each of the one or more electrical devices.

10. The system of claim 1, 2, 6 or 7, wherein the controller provides an output related to the predetermined time period in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the output related to the predetermined period of time is a periodic alert.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the output is provided via a display module on the provisioning control device.

13. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the PRM stores customer identification IDs of the one or more customers upon receiving payment from the one or more customers.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the CPM receives the customer ID from the PRM.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the CPM identifies the access code based on the received customer ID.

16. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the solenoid valve to the closed state to deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

17. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch to the second state to deny the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

18. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the CPM provides the identified access code to mobile communication devices of the one or more patrons.

19. A system for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more customers, the system comprising:

one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a switch and a controller, and associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the switch is in communication with a power portal, the switch being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of power from the power portal;

a payment receiving module PRM configured to generate a confirmation upon receiving payment from the one or more customers; and

an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined period of time in response to receiving the generated confirmation from the PRM.

20. A system for selectively controlling the supply of liquid or gas to one or more customers, the system comprising:

one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a solenoid valve and a controller and associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the solenoid valve is in communication with an inlet, the solenoid valve being movable between an open state and a closed state to allow or deny a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet;

an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the solenoid valve of the supply control device to the open state within a predetermined period of time in response to receiving the generated confirmation from the PRM.

21. The system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the AM receives from the PRM a customer identification ID of the one or more customers for which payment was received.

22. The system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the AM identifies the one or more provisioning control devices associated with the one or more customers based on the received customer ID, thereby instructing the controller.

23. The system of claim 1, 2, 6, 7, 19 or 20, wherein the supply control device is powered by a power source.

24. The system of claim 1, 2, 6, 7, 19 or 20, wherein the controller controls the supply of electrical power to the supply control device based on the predetermined period of time.

25. A method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising:

a. when claim 3, 5, 8 is dependent on claim 1 and claims 10 to 12 are dependent on claim 1, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 to 12; and

b. providing at least one access code to the input device to provide a supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

26. A method for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the method comprising:

a. when claim 8 is dependent on claim 2 or 7, and claim 10, 11 or 12 is dependent on claim 2 or 7, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 2, 4, 8, 10, 11 or 12; and

b. providing at least one access code to the input device, whereby a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet is provided for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

27. A method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising:

a. when claim 8 is dependent on claim 6, claims 10 to 15 are dependent on claim 6, and claims 17, 18 are dependent on claim 6, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 6, 8, 9, 10 to 15, 17, 18;

b. receiving payment from the one or more customers requiring a supply of electrical power to the electrical device via the PRM within a predetermined period of time;

c. identifying, via the CPM, at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes of the supply control device assigned to the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM;

d. providing the identified access code to the one or more customers;

e. providing, via the guest, the at least one access code to the input device to provide the supply of power from the power inlet to the electrical device for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

28. A method for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the method comprising:

a. when claim 8 is dependent on claim 7, claims 10 to 16 are dependent on claim 7, and claim 18 is dependent on claim 7, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 7, 8, 10 to 16 or 18;

b. receiving payment from the one or more customers requiring a supply of liquid or gas via the PRM within a predetermined period of time;

d. providing the identified access code to the one or more customers;

e. providing, via the guest, the at least one access code to the input device to provide a supply of liquid or gas from the inlet for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

29. A method for selectively controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrical device, the method comprising:

a. when claims 21 to 24 are dependent on claim 19, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 19, 21 to 24;

b. receiving payment from the one or more customers and generating an acknowledgement by the PRM upon receipt of the payment;

c. providing an acknowledgement of the generation from the PRM to the AM; and

d. instructing the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined period of time.

30. A method for selectively controlling the supply of a liquid or gas, the method comprising:

a. when claims 21 to 24 are dependent on claim 20, providing a supply control device as defined in any one of claims 20, 21 to 24;

b. receiving payment from the one or more customers and generating an acknowledgement upon receipt of the payment via the PRM;

c. providing an acknowledgement of the generation from the PRM to the AM; and

d. instructing the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the solenoid valve of the supply control device to the open state within a predetermined period of time.

31. A system for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the system comprising:

an energy inlet for receiving energy from an energy source;

a supply control device comprising:

a switch arrangement in communication with the energy inlet, the switch arrangement being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance;

an input device;

a storage module configured to store one or more predetermined codes; and

wherein the controller is further configured to selectively move the switch arrangement to the first state to allow the supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

32. A system for selectively controlling a supply of energy to one or more appliances, the system comprising:

an energy inlet for receiving energy from an energy source;

a supply control device associated with each of the one or more appliances, comprising:

an input device;

wherein the system further comprises:

a payment receiving module PRM, independent of the supply control device, and configured to receive payment from the one or more customers requiring an energy supply within a predetermined time period; and

wherein the controller is communicatively linked to the CPM and receives the at least one access code provided by the CPM via the input device, the controller being further configured to selectively move the switch arrangement to the first state to allow energy supply from the energy portal to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the received access code and one of the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

33. A system for selectively controlling the supply of energy to one or more customers, the system comprising:

one or more supply control devices, each of the one or more supply control devices comprising a switch arrangement and a controller, and being associated with each of the one or more customers, wherein the switch arrangement is in communication with an energy inlet, the switch arrangement being movable between a first state and a second state to allow or deny the supply of energy from the energy inlet;

an Authentication Module (AM) communicatively linked to the one or more supply control devices, the AM configured to instruct the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch arrangement of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined period of time in response to receiving the generated confirmation from the PRM.

34. A method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising:

a. providing a provisioning control device as defined in claim 31; and

b. providing at least one access code to the input device to provide a supply of energy from the energy inlet to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

35. A method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising:

a. providing a provisioning control device as defined in claim 32;

b. receiving payment from the one or more customers requiring a supply of power to the appliance over a predetermined period of time via the PRM;

c. identifying, via the CPM, at least one access code from the one or more predetermined codes assigned to the supply control devices of the one or more customers upon receipt of payment from the one or more customers via the PRM;

d. providing the identified access code to the one or more customers; and

e. providing, via the guest, the at least one access code to the input device to provide the supply of energy from the energy portal to the appliance for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting a match between the at least one access code and the one or more predetermined codes stored in the storage module.

36. A method for selectively controlling the supply of energy to an appliance, the method comprising:

a. providing a provisioning control device as defined in claim 33;

c. providing the AM with an acknowledgement generated by the PRM; and

d. instructing the controller of the one or more supply control devices associated with the one or more customers to selectively move the switch arrangement of the supply control device to the first state within a predetermined period of time.