EP0829825A2

EP0829825A2 - System for controlling the use time of a machine or apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP0829825A2
Application number: EP19970202754
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc Vangaever; Henri Van Houten; Marc Bruers
Original assignee: HOUTEN HENRI VAN
Current assignee: HOUTEN HENRI VAN
Priority date: 1996-09-13
Filing date: 1997-09-10
Publication date: 1998-03-18

Abstract

System for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time in customized manner, by starting a predetermined stand-by timeframe or period (SBP) at the start of a predetermined use time (UT), the SBP being longer and at least partly covering the UT, a read unit for reading out data on said UT and said SBP from a token memory, said read unit being coupled to an apparatus for generating a control signal for activating or releasing a blocking mode of the machine dependent on said data.

Description

The invention relates to a system for controlling the use of a machine or apparatus for a predefined periode, a method for controlling the same, a read unit and a key for use in said system.
Such a system is known e.g. from French Patent Application Nr. 2 548 808.
The known system permits metering and control of the use of a rental machine or apparatus for a certain contract period. Information concerning e.g. the prepaid contract period, the engine identification number, etc. is stored in the memory of an electronic key or token. When applying the key to the machine, the information is read out from the key memory and a display shows the consumed and the remaining part of the prepaid hire time. When the contract period expires, the machine is automatically set into a blocking mode, in which the machine is shut off.
It is an object of the invention to provide a system for controlling the use of a machine or apparatus for a predefined periode allowing for a use schedule, which is more customized to the actual needs of the user than the one provided by the abovementioned known system.
Such a system according to the invention is characterized by means to fix a predetermined timeframe also called stand-by period, starting with the predetermined use time and being longer and at least partly covering the same, a read unit for reading out data on said use period and said timeframe from a token memory, said read unit being coupled to an apparatus for generating a control signal for activating or releasing a blocking mode dependent on said data.
The system involves controlling the use of an apparatus or a machine for a predetermined use time in customized manner, by starting a predetermined stand-by timeframe or period (SBP) at the start of a predetermined use time (UT).
The invention is based on the recognition that putting a machine permanently at the disposal of the customer at long term is beneficial for both customer and rental company. Advantages are a.o.: less costs of transport for the customer and the rental company, weakens the competition, more flexible workhours for the customer, creates new purchase needs, locks out the competition for long term and the machine is already present with the customer before the need to purchase.
When applying the measure according to the invention, the user is charged very accurately on the actual use and is free to split his use time in as many partitions as he wants, spread over the predetermined timeframe. He can select, a la carte, different combinations of use time and stand-by period.
Such a system according to the invention is preferably characterized by means to fix a security period following the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe and the predetermined use time, the read unit generating a control signal for releasing the blocking mode of the machine during the security time.
This measure allows the user to run the machine during the security period in order e.g. to put it on transport, or to bring it in a safe parking position. The security period can always be fully used by the customer, if needed also in partitions. It does not expire with the expiration of the timeframe or user time and can be used long after the lapse of these time periods.
A further preferred embodiment of said system is characterized by means to fix a warning period prior to the expiration of the predetermined use time and by warning signal generating means generating a warning signal during said warning period.
The warning signal may be generated by a horn, which is blown shortly e.g. every minute to warn the operator that the use time is about to expire.
Preferably the warning signal increases in frequency and/or volume with time to indicate the nearing lapse of the use time.
A method for controlling the use of a machine or apparatus for a predetermined use time according to the invention is characterized by the release of the blocking mode of the machine and the start of the timeframe simultaneously with the start of the use time and by the activation of the blocking mode at the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe or of the predetermined use time.
With this measure according to the invention, the user has the machine stand-by at his disposal during the time frame and may split his use time at will over this timeframe. However, if the stand-by time is elapsed before all the use time is consumed the remaining use time will be expired.
Preferably such method is characterized by the release of the blocking mode of the machine during a security time following the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe and the predetermined use time and by the activation of the blocking mode of the machine at the expiration of the security time.
The control according to the above method in a system according to the invention is provided by a read unit characterized by a microcontrolled key reader for reading out data on the use menu, a control signal generator for generating a control signal for activating or releasing the blocking mode of a machine.
Preferably, such read unit is characterized by a counter, starting to count down from an initial value at the start of the use time and continuing counting down through zero to negative values during the security time. This allows the user to easily recognize in which mode the machine is functioning. At positive counts, spare time in the form of the security time is available, whereas at negative counts the end of the use will be definite.
A key comprising a memory according to the invention is characterized in that said memory is programmable with data concerning said predetermined use time and said predetermined timeframe, as well as a machine identification code and a rental identification code.
Such key provides easy prepayment procedures, less payment conflicts between customer and rental company, reduces the risk of fraudulent use of the machine and contributes to less outstanding invoices towards the customers for the rental companies. Furthermore it allows perfect control of regions.
Preferably the key comprises a memory, characterized in that the memory is suited to be downloaded with various combinations of use times and timeframes.
The following schematic figures illustrate the invention by way of example, showing in:

figure 1 the use part of a system for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time according to the invention;
figure 2 the rental part of a system for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time according to the invention;
figure 3 the various time modes occurring in the course of a contract period;
figure 4 a list of user menus.

Figure 1 shows the use part of a system for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time according to the invention, comprising standard programmable "touch keys" provided with a memory (not shown), also called memory tokens or rent keys 1 and an electronic read unit 2, also called security rent, for reading out or downloading the data stored in the memory of the touch key 1. The electronic read unit 2 is placed on a rental machine (not shown) and comprises a microprocessor (not shown), which processes the downloaded data to generate a control signal for activating or releasing the blocking mode of a rental machine through a relais station 4. The user will not be able to use or operate the machine in the blocking mode. The machine will be ready for use by the user, only when this blocking mode is released.
Figure 2 shows the rental part of the system for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time according to the invention comprising a rent charger 5, including a keyboard 6, a microprocessor or PC 7 and an electronic write unit 8, provided with a slot, in which a rent key is to be inserted to be programmed. The rent charger 5 is capable to store in the memory of a rent key 1 being inserted in the slot of the write unit 8 a configurable or programmable user menu, controlled by one or more central computers 9 through a modem connection, included in the PCs. All software necessary to run the system may be stored centrally in the main computer 9 exclusively or partly distributed over the PCs connected to the main computer 9.
The operation of the system can be described as follows. A rental center with one or more subsidiaries having a rent charger to program touch keys at its disposal is selling, leasing or renting a rent charger 5 to its customers to program touch keys 1 through a modem connection.
A touch key is programmed with information on: the rental organisation, custumer's identification, the expiry date, the rented use period, the stand-by time frame, systemparameters and a security code. The touch keys may be reloaded with new data.
When the machine is rented, the following course of action is taken.
The customer can pick his choice out of various predetermined use schedules or user menus as shown in the list of menus of figure 4. These are based on a prdetermined time frame or stand-by period (SBP) and a use time (UT). The machine is available for use by the customer during the SBP. The SBP will run as from the very first use of the touch key by the customer. The UT is the time of actual use of the machine, for which the customer has paid. The customer is free to split the UT into partitions distributed over the SBP. This UT has to be consumed within the SBP, the part of UT not consumed within the SBP will expire.
To release the machine from its blocking mode prior to its use, the touch key 1 is put in the security rent 2, which downloads the data from the touch key 1 at the touch of the key. Dependent on these data, the security rent 2 checks whether the machine may be released. If both the security conditions (machine identification and security code) and the rental conditions (SBP and UT are not expired) are met, the machine is released from its blocking mode and the UT left appears on the display 3. The machine is therewith ready for use by the user and only then the user is then able to start the machine. This procedure has to be repeated every time the machine is to be started. While the machine runs, the UT is counted down. The release is achieved through one or more relay stations, controlling the starter motor. Various touch keys 1 may be in use with one machine. Within a certain periode various persons, each having his own touch key 1, can use the machine.
The security rent 2 is provided with a display 3 showing what is left from the use period paid for. This display 3 shows the hours and minutes, consecutively. Some time prior to the expiration of the UT a warning time (WT) starts to run, during which the display 3 starts to flicker or a claxon may be switched on to indicate the nearing start of a security time (ST). This ST can be adjusted. When the UT is expired, the ST comes in and a second relay switch will be controlled by the security rent 2 to alternately open and close. This allows to generate an audible signal and/or a flickering of the display by which the user is warned about the defintie and of use of the machine. The ST lasts some time beyond the expiration of the UT, the display 3 then showing an increasing negative UT. The switching frequency will increase as the ST is running out. The sequential order of the various time periods are shown in figure 3.
After the ST the touch key 1 becomes invalidated. The original UT and ST will be kept in the memory of the security rent 2. The date and time plus remaining information will be kept in the memory of the rent key 1.
The rent charger 5 is a microprocessor or PC controlled device, which makes it possible to load the touch keys with data. It comprises a display and a keyboard or buttons to select a user menu and to specify a machine. The device calls in the data of a selected user menu or user schedule through a modem connection to download these into the memory of a touch key 1. After completion, the programming is acknowledged by the central computer 9. Only then, the touch key 1 is ready for use and the customer will be billed for the selected user menu.
The security rent may also be programmed to provide an anti-theft system, e.g. blocking hydraulics or activating parkbrakes or switching on sirenes, etc.

Claims

System for controlling the use of a machine for a predetermined use time, characterized by means to fix a predetermined timeframe starting with the predetermined use time and being longer and at least partly covering the same, a read unit for reading out data on said use period and said timeframe from a token memory, said read unit being coupled to an apparatus for generating a control signal for activating or releasing a blocking mode of the machine dependent on said data.
System according to claim 1, characterized by means to fix a security period following the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe and the predetermined use time, the read unit generating a control signal for releasing the blocking mode of the machine during the security time.
System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by means to fix a warning period prior to the expiration of the predetermined use time and by warning signal generating means generating a warning signal during said warning period.
System according to claim 3, characterized in that the warning signal increases in frequency over time.
Method for controlling the use of a machine or apparatus for a predetermined use time to be applied in a system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the release of the blocking mode of the machine and the start of the timeframe simultaneously with the start of the use time and by the activation of the blocking mode at the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe or of the predetermined use time.
Method according to claim 5, characterized by the release of the blocking mode of the machine during a security time following the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe and the predetermined use time and by the activation of the blocking mode of the machine at the expiration of the security time.
Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a warning signal is generated during a warning time period prior to the first to come expiration of the predetermine timeframe and the predetermined use time.
Read unit to be applied in a system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a microcontrolled key reader for reading out data on the use menu, a control signal generator for generating a control signal for activating or releasing the blocking mode of a machine.
Read unit according to claim 8, characterized by a counter, starting to count down from an initial value at the start of the use time and continuing counting down through zero to negative values during the security time.
Key for use in a system according to one of claims 1 to 4 comprising a memory, characterized in that said memory is programmable with data concerning said predetermined use time and said predetermined timeframe, as well as a machine identification code and a rental identification code.
Key according to claim 9 comprising a memory, characterized in that the memory is suited to be downloaded with various combinations of use times and timeframes.